Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham for PM, making a "coronation" for the Makerfield MP more likely
Another obstacle has been removed from Andy Burnham’s becoming the next prime minister.
In the same morning that Sir Keir Starmer announced that he would be standing down as leader of the Labour Party, former health secretary Wes Streeting, declared that he would no longer be putting himself forward in any leadership contest and was backing the newly-elected MP for Makerfield instead.
He said he had “spoken at length with Andy in recent days”.
Mr Streeting said he was convinced that Mr Burnham “is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions and that he can win the fight of our lives against the force of nationalism”.
Calling for a coronation for Mr Burnham, he said: “We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs.
“That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy too.”
Mr Burnham thanked Sir Keir for his leadership and said the country now expects “stability” and “seriousness”.
Posting on X, he said: “Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
“As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
Wigan MP and culture secretary Lisa Nandy also posted on X: “Keir Starmer took the Labour Party from our worst election defeat in nearly a century into government, where we have started to rebuild our public services, invest in our communities and open up opportunities for a generation again.”
Opinion is divided on whether Mr Burnham’s bid for 10 Downing Street should go unchallenged.
Some argue that a leadership contest would be an unwanted distraction from serious matters of state when its outcome is a foregone conclusion, while others – especially opposition representatives say that Mr Burnham’s policies and personality should be rigorously tested by a leadership campaign.
Others still believe that if he comes to power with the intention of steering the Labour Party in a different direction from the one people voted for in the 2024 general election, he should take the country to the polls again.
Mr Burnham has travelled down to London this morning to be sworn in as an MP.