Published on
09/07/2026 - 8:34 GMT+2
Andy Burnham has taken another big step towards becoming the UK's next prime minister after his last potential rival for the Labour Party leadership ruled out mounting a challenge.
Former armed forces minister Al Carns told Sky News that a drawn-out, divisive leadership contest was "not the best use of Labour's time" and called on his party to "get on board" with Burnham.
Carns' decision leaves Burnham as the only candidate left in the field. Nominations for the contest are set to open on Thursday. If no other candidate declares, then Burnham would take over as Labour leader and PM later this month.
