Breaking News: Al Carns Backs Andy Burnham for Labour Leadership
Former Defence Minister Al Carns has announced he will not run for the Labour leadership. He urged his party to support Andy Burnham instead. In an interview with Sky News, Carns stated that a leadership contest would not be beneficial for the party.
Carns’s decision leaves Burnham as the only declared candidate for the Labour leadership following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation last month. Initially, Carns expressed hesitation about supporting Burnham until he reviewed his plans for government. However, after a conversation with Burnham, he concluded that Burnham would make the right decisions for the country.
The Labour leadership election process begins on Thursday, with MPs able to nominate candidates. Candidates need support from 20% of Labour MPs and nominations from affiliated trade unions or constituency Labour parties.
Burnham is expected to become Labour leader and potentially prime minister by July 20, allowing time for a power transfer. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, had considered a leadership bid but has now backed Burnham. Carns resigned as defence minister over military spending disputes and stated that internal conflicts would not serve the party’s best interests.
