Darren Jones, the Labour chief secretary to the prime minister, says he will not challenge Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership. Jones makes the decision after talks with Burnham, which he says left him “reassured” about Burnham’s economic plans. He says the concerns raised by some Labour MPs focused on the possibility of increased government borrowing if Burnham becomes prime minister. Jones acknowledges that there is scope to borrow “a little more” for certain initiatives, including building more council houses, but argues this can be done within Labour’s fiscal rules and while maintaining economic stability.
Jones notes that leadership challenges under Labour Party rules require support from at least 81 MPs, adding that “upwards of 100” MPs have concerns about Burnham becoming prime minister without a leadership contest. Despite calls from some MPs for him to stand to prevent a likely “coronation,” he says he was not planning a leadership campaign and argues that a contest would offer limited benefit for the country or the party. With Jones ruling out a challenge, Burnham is described as being set to become prime minister at a special Labour leadership conference on July 17.
