Andy Burnham’s last rival, Al Carnes, rejected the leadership bid

Former Defense Secretary Al Carnes has said he will not stand for the Labor leadership and urged his party to get behind Andy Burnham.

He told Sky News that the leadership race was “not a good use of Labour’s time” and that, in his view, “we have to get on board” with Burnham.

Carnes’ decision means Burnham is the only Labor MP to have announced his intention to run for the Labor leadership following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister last month.

Earlier this week, Carnes said he would not support Burnham until he saw more of the government’s plan.

But Carnes said after speaking with Burnham on Tuesday that Makerfield had concluded the parliament would “make the right decisions and move the country forward”.

Burnham is expected to become the next Labor leader and Prime Minister later this month.

The process of electing a new Labor leader begins on Thursday, when the window for MPs to submit nominations opens.

Leadership candidates need 20% of the party’s MPs – 81 – to qualify.

They must also be elected by at least three of the party’s 31 socialist unions and trade unions, or 5% of the Constituency Labor Parties (CLPs).

With 403 Labor MPs, if Burnham gets 323 candidates it is mathematically impossible for anyone to enter the race.

In that scenario, Burnham could become Labor leader on July 17, and take over as prime minister three days later on July 20 to allow time for a transition.

Burnham has said he will seek the Labor leadership after winning a by-election in Makersfield and returning to Westminster last month.

When Sir Kerr Burnham announced his voluntary resignation as Prime Minister on the day he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament, he said that in his resignation speech he heard the answer to the question, “I’d rather lead us to the next general election.”

Former health secretary Wes Streeting is considering a bid to replace Sir Kier as Labor leader.

But soon after Sir Keir’s resignation, he decided to support Burnham.

Carnes was weighing up his chances of becoming the next Labor leader.

He resigned as defense minister amid controversy over military spending levels.

But when asked by Sky News presenter Cathy Newman if he would put himself forward, Carnes said “allowing internal bleeding” would not be good for the party.

“So my view is that we should get on board,” Carnes said.

“Andy has done a great job with Manchester, he’s done a great job during Covid, he’s seen the Manchester Arena attack and dealt with it effectively, and he’s driven Manchester’s economic journey in a positive way.

If we can do that locally, regionally and nationally, I think that’s hitting the right spot.