David Lammy has backed Andy Burnham to become the next prime minister.
Sir Keir Starmer’s deputy has thrown his weight behind the MP for Makerfield, who could be crowned within weeks after Wes Streeting abandoned his own leadership hopes and cleared Mr Burnham’s path to No 10.
Mr Lammy, one of Sir Keir’s staunchest Cabinet supporters, told LBC: “If it is the wish of the parliamentary Labour Party and the Labour movement that he should lead us, he will command my full support.”
He added: “I’ve known Andy Burnham for over 25 years, I think, in politics. We were both protégés of the late Tessa Jowell and worked together very closely when he was back in Parliament. I think I supported him for one of his previous bids to become leader of the Labour Party.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, another of Sir Keir’s closest Cabinet allies, has also backed a coronation for Mr Burnham, telling Times Radio: “A swift transition is what I’m in favour of, I’m not hiding from that.”
However, other Starmer loyalists have urged Darren Jones, the Prime Minister’s right-hand man, to stand against the former mayor of Greater Manchester in an attempt to prevent his coronation.
Al Carns, the former Armed Forces minister, has also published a list of demands for the next Labour leader in what has been interpreted as a hint that he will stand.
In a speech outside Downing Street yesterday, Sir Keir said his resignation would trigger a Labour race, which if contested, could be decided by the beginning of September.
But if no challengers come forward, Mr Burnham could become prime minister by the middle of next month, before the summer recess.