Minister calls for ‘swift transition’ of power to Burnham without challenge over Labour leadership – UK politics live

Nick Thomas-Symonds, a former ally of Keir Starmer, called for a swift and unchallenged transition of power to Andy Burnham as the next Labour leader on June 23, 2026. Thomas-Symonds stated that a leadership battle would not be in the "best interests of the country." This statement comes as Labour MPs consider potential candidates to challenge Burnham, with some reportedly wary of his ascension to Number 10 without a contest. Cabinet minister Darren Jones and former armed forces minister Al Carns are among those being considered. Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, is seen as a potential candidate with support from those loyal to the outgoing leader, Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, in Scotland, Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, is facing sentencing for embezzling over £400,000 from the party.