The dwindling chances of a leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer appear to have slumped to zero, as the last known contender has stepped aside and backed Burnham. The little known Alistair Carns was genuinely considering a punt, but was clearly struggling to garner the nominations required to stand. He is understood to have spoke with Burnham on Tuesday, possibly angling for a Cabinet position in return for backing out of a challenge that in all fairness was unlikely to happen.
Carns wrote on X:
"I'd hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate. But months of internal Labour politics isn't what the country needs right now. We've got to get on with the job.Andy Burnham's earned this and he's got my full backing.Our job now as a Labour team is to help him succeed, because the country needs him to."
He ended his post with the salute emoji, which could be seen as a bending of the knee to his new commander, in line with his military background.
Carns also posted an edited clip from one of his media interviews on Wednesday, confirming his decision and singing the praises of Burnham (watch below).
He may have resigned from Starmer's regime, but it's a good bet Carns will be reappearing on the front benches when the Commons resumes after summer recess. This one's a climber. We can only hope that the vehicle he has chosen to enact his political ambitions will be in ruins by the time he finally seizes the opportunity to try and lead it.
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