Just days after announcing his resignation, the outgoing prime minister faces further embarrassment.
Alex Armstrong and Ellie Costello halted GB News Breakfast for a breaking news update (Image: GB News)
GB News Breakfast halted for a breaking bulletin which will come as a further blow to embattled outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer. Just days after he tearfully announced his resignation they confirmed Darren Jones won’t challenge Andy Burnham for Labour leadership, which further clears the path for the Makerfield MP to become the next prime minister.
Presenter Ellie Costello announced: “Just want to bring you this breaking news we’ve just heard from Darren Jones. He says he won’t challenge Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership. He has instead endorsed Andy Burnham. He was said to be considering a bid. He says he’s now had conversations with Andy Burnham – a reassuring conversation on the economy,” she said. Her co host Alex Armstrong chimed in: “So it does look like we’re heading to a crowning of Andy Burnham.” He then raged about the fact Burnham is reportedly getting government briefings despite his current status as a backbencher.
“We’ve lost our marbles in this country,” he fumed. “In any normal circumstances people [would be] going, what on earth is going on, this man isn’t Prime Minister, he’s not Labour Party leader.
“I think we’ve got to get a reality show that this is showing [on]. We’ve got serious problems in Britain, and that’s my opinion,”he said adding: “But obviously we do need to see some sort of orderly transition, don’t we.”
Jones’ withdrawal removes one of the most credible potential challengers and significantly boosts the prospects of a swift coronation for Mr Burnham.
As a senior Starmer loyalist and one of the government’s most visible right-leaning figures, his endorsement carries substantial weight within the party.
Keir Starmer has been dealt a further blow just days after his resignation (Image: PA)
The development comes hours after Burnham held his first private meeting with Starmer since announcing his leadership bid.
Downing Street has confirmed Burnham and any other candidates will receive “access talks” with civil servants, coordinated by Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, ahead of formal nominations opening on July 9.
Government business will continue as normal but without major new policy announcements or spending commitments until a new leader is in place. The long-delayed defence investment plan, however, is still expected before the upcoming NATO summit.
With Wes Streeting already backing Burnham and Jones now stepping aside, momentum appears commanding. Potential wildcard Al Carns, the former armed forces minister, has yet to rule himself out, though sources suggest he may struggle to secure the 81 MP nominations required.