Andy Burnham on course to become Labour leader as only declared candidate

Andy Burnham is the only Labour MP who has declared an intention to seek the leadership ahead of nominations opening on Thursday. Former defence minister Al Carns said he will not stand and urged the party to back Burnham instead.

Background to the contest Sir Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister last month on the same day Burnham was sworn in as an MP after winning a by-election in Makerfield. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, decided to back Burnham shortly after Starmer's resignation. Carns had also considered a bid but resigned as defence minister over a dispute about military spending levels.

Nomination requirements Candidates require support from 20 percent of the 403 Labour MPs, or 81 nominations, plus backing from at least three of the 31 affiliated socialist societies and trade unions or 5 percent of constituency Labour parties. If Burnham secures 323 nominations, no other candidate can enter the contest.

In that case Burnham could become leader by 17 July and take office as prime minister three days later. BBC News reported that Carns told Sky News a leadership contest was not the best use of Labour's time and that the party needed to get on board with Burnham.

After speaking with Burnham on Tuesday, Carns concluded that the Makerfield MP would make the right decisions and move the country forward, BBC News reported. Carns had previously said he could not support Burnham until he saw more detail on his plan for government.