Labour MPs Debate Leadership Contest; Burnham Emerges as Frontrunner

A senior Labour minister has publicly endorsed Andy Burnham to succeed Keir Starmer as party leader and prime minister. Nick Thomas-Symonds, a Cabinet Office minister, told BBC Breakfast he supports Burnham because the party needs "someone with a track record of delivery and delivering change".

Thomas-Symonds also cited Burnham's performance in Makerfield, where he beat Reform by more than 9,000 votes, saying the party must focus outward rather than hold an extended internal contest.

Nadia Whittome told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that members and unions should scrutinise any platform before a new leader is chosen. Jo White, another Labour MP, countered that a contest would be a "pointless charade" given Burnham's broad support among colleagues.

White warned that a summer contest would keep the party focused inward until September instead of governing. Melanie Ward, who previously backed Wes Streeting, said Burnham's programme would face scrutiny through hustings even if no other candidates stand.

Ward added that details of the selection process, including how hustings would work without competing candidates, are still awaited. Former defence minister Al Carns and senior minister Darren Jones are understood to be considering whether to seek the nominations needed to force a contest.

An ally of Jones indicated he is mainly seeking more information on Burnham's economic policies before deciding whether to run.