Andy Burnham, the Labour leadership frontrunner, is set to receive Government briefings following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he will resign as Prime Minister. Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir has authorized Civil Service access talks to begin with prospective candidates to prepare for the transition.
Sir Keir informed ministers at a weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 23, that he wants an orderly transition and will seek to resolve difficult issues in the coming weeks. However, Downing Street stated that no major new policy decisions or spending pledges will be made during this period. Sir Keir will agree on priorities with Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo in the coming days.
Defence Investment Plan and Transition Challenges
One key loose end Sir Keir intends to tie up before leaving office is the defence investment plan (Dip), which has been delayed for months due to internal Government wrangling over funding. His plans to publish the document before the Nato summit on July 7 could cause friction with Burnham's team, as allies of the newly-elected MP believe the decision should fall to the next leader, according to The Times.
When asked whether Sir Keir was concerned about Government work grinding to a halt during the transition, his official spokesman said the normal business of Government continues. Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, will begin to outline his policy platform next week, pledging economic growth and a commitment to Labour's existing fiscal rules.
Leadership Contest and Potential Rivals
Many see Burnham as a prime minister-in-waiting following his by-election win in Makerfield. His main rival, former health secretary Wes Streeting, has backed him to succeed Sir Keir, who announced his resignation on Monday, June 22. However, Burnham could still face hurdles as two senior Labour MPs consider launching leadership bids to prevent a coronation.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones and former armed forces minister and Birmingham MP Al Carns are being considered as potential candidates. Sources close to Jones said he is not currently minded to run but wants assurances on Burnham's approach to economic policy amid concerns about market unease. Carns told journalists at the Foreign Press Association in London that he has not ruled out standing, stating that Burnham would listen to the Parliamentary Labour Party and take advice on policy ideas. He added, "A vision without a plan is a dream and if you don't have it, it can turn into a nightmare pretty quickly."
Support for a Swift Transition
Burnham backer Nick Thomas-Symonds suggested a contest would not be in the best interests of the country. The Cabinet Office minister told Sky News, "I think we have to weigh up what is in the best interests of the country. I am of the view that it needs to be a swift transition but I understand colleagues have difficult decisions to make."
Burnham, who only returned to the Commons on Monday, could be in Downing Street within weeks if no challenger emerges. Talks are also taking place about his potential Cabinet, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood tipped as candidates to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor. However, Burnham's allies said no jobs have been given and no deals have been made as of Monday evening.
Economic Plans and Market Concerns
The Chancellor's successor would be bound by the rules she set, which aim to restrict borrowing and pay for day-to-day spending out of tax revenues by the end of the decade. Burnham knows he must reassure the City about his economic plans, having previously caused alarm by saying, "We've got to get beyond this thing of being in hock to the bond markets."
He could become Prime Minister as early as July 17 if he is the only candidate to receive the support needed to stand in the Labour leadership contest. Sir Keir announced his resignation in an emotional statement outside No 10 on Monday, promising an orderly handover of power. He pledged to give the next leader his full and unequivocal support, knowing they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one he inherited two years ago.
Sir Keir said he would ask Labour's ruling National Executive Committee to set out a timetable that would see a new leader in place by September 1 if there is a contest. However, Burnham could be the only candidate when nominations close on July 16. Potential candidates must amass the support of at least 81 Labour MPs by that date.
