Labour MPs Divided on Leadership Contest as Burnham Backers Signal Smooth Nomination Path]

North Durham MP Luke Akehurst outlined the potential process for a leadership contest on BBC Radio 4’s World At One but indicated it may not be necessary, noting his position on the National Executive Committee prevented him from expressing a formal view on the matter.

“I think it would be a realistic assessment of where colleagues are in the PLP [Parliamentary Labour Party],” he said. “I think there’s such a head of steam behind Andy Burnham that I suspect there won’t be much of a contest and he may well get it at the nomination stage [16th July].”

Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group member Rebecca Whittome countered that a contest would help determine how the party addresses national challenges, including the cost of living crisis.

“We can’t answer that question without candidates setting out their stall transparently, and being scrutinised by members and by unions,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I also think it’s important to say that a lack of party democracy and a lack of debate around politics and policies is part of what led us here in the first place, so it would be a mistake for us not to use this opportunity to learn where we went wrong and to figure out where we go next.”

However, Labour’s Red Wall MP Jo White argued a contest was unnecessary given Burnham’s apparent support base.

“To be honest I think it [a contest] is going to be a pointless charade,” White said. “The majority of MPs I’ve spoken to so far, even MPs I hadn’t anticipated, are telling me they’re going to be backing Andy.”

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