Labour Party Unites Behind Andy Burnham

In a surprise move, the Labour Party has announced that it is united behind Andy Burnham as its next leader, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. According to senior party figures, including Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell and Housing Secretary Steve Reed, the party is backing a coronation of Burnham, rather than a contest.

Powell told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme that she was pleased that the party was likely to have only one candidate, saying: "How refreshing that would be - that the whole Labour Party is agreed on the new leader and we don't have to go through a contest that could be damaging at this point in time." Reed agreed, stating that the party was "going to move very swiftly to uniting behind Andy Burnham" without "turning inwards", which he described as absolutely essential.

While a general election is not necessary to replace a prime minister, calling one is seen as a test of a new prime minister's support among the public. However, Powell denied that it was hypocritical that she did not want one to test a new Labour leader, citing the unique circumstances of the Conservatives' change in leadership in 2022.

Reform UK's Nigel Farage has called for an immediate general election, but the Conservatives have not. Shadow housing secretary James Cleverly told Victoria Derbyshire that a general election would delay key decisions, particularly on defence spending, and that the Tories would be ready to fight a general election if needed.

Powell also stated that further devolution of powers to local areas would be a priority for Burnham's administration if he won the Labour leadership race. She said that Burnham had a strong agenda for changing the way powers are distributed, and that this would allow for better connection of people to new job opportunities.

Burnham is expected to give a closely watched speech in Manchester on Monday to outline his economic vision for the country, which will have a strong emphasis on devolution to drive growth. This speech could be key to winning over potential challengers such as former defence minister Al Carns.