Darren Jones Supports Andy Burnham as UK’s Next Prime Minister After Starmer Exit
Labour Party Leadership Transition and Support for Andy Burnham
Darren Jones Rules Himself Out of Leadership Contest
LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Darren Jones, chief secretary to outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and one of his key allies, ruled himself out of any contest to succeed the Labour leader on Wednesday and threw his support behind the only candidate, Andy Burnham.
Public Endorsement of Andy Burnham
"Andy Burnham is going to be the next prime minister. And if there was a contest of Labour Party members, he would win," Jones told Sky News.
Implications for Labour Party Leadership
Burnham’s Path to Premiership
Jones had been touted as one possible candidate who could challenge Burnham in a leadership contest and his decision to back the former Greater Manchester mayor means Burnham is likely to become prime minister in the middle of July, rather than September after a leadership contest.
Economic Policy Reassurances
Investor Concerns and Burnham’s Economic Stance
Jones said he had been reassured by Burnham about his economic policy, an area of concern for investors after he said last year that the country had to stop being in "hock to the bond markets", comments he later said had been misrepresented.
"We talked ... a lot about what he (Burnham) was thinking on the economy and what my thoughts were on that, and some of the potential ways forward for the new government," he said.
Context of Starmer’s Departure
Recent Political Developments
Starmer said on Monday he would step down following months of pressure over the party's poor poll ratings and setbacks in recent local elections. The next prime minister will be Britain's seventh leader in 10 years.
(Reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Kate Holton)
