Former Defence Secretary Al Carns announced that he will not seek the Labour leadership and called on his party to rally behind Andy Burnham.
He told Sky News that a leadership contest would be an inefficient use of the party’s resources and that Labour should get behind Burnham.
This decision leaves Burnham as the sole Labour MP who has declared his candidacy for the party leadership after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down as prime minister last month.
Earlier this week, Carns said he could not endorse Burnham until he had reviewed more details of his government plan.
After discussing the matter with Burnham on Tuesday, Carns concluded that the Makerfield MP would make sound decisions and drive the country forward.
Burnham is widely anticipated to become the next Labour leader and Prime Minister later this month.
The contest to elect a new Labour leader begins on Thursday, when MPs can start nominating candidates.
Aspiring candidates require the backing of 20% of Labour MPs — 81 MPs — to qualify.
They must also secure nominations from at least three of the party’s 31 affiliated socialist societies and trade unions, or from 5% of local constituency parties.
With 403 Labour MPs in total, if Burnham secures 323 nominations, it becomes mathematically impossible for any other contender to enter the race.
Under that scenario, Burnham could assume the party leadership by 17 July and become Prime Minister three days later on 20 July, facilitating a smooth transition.
Burnham said he would seek the party leadership after winning a by‑lection in Makerfield and returning to Westminster last month.
Sir Keir resigned as Prime Minister on the same day Burnham took his oath as an MP, remarking in his farewell address that he had heard the answer to whether “I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.”
Wes Streeting, formerly the health secretary, had been considering a bid to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader.
However, after Sir Keir’s resignation, Streeting chose to support Burnham.
Carns had also been weighing the prospect of becoming the next Labour leader.
He resigned as Defence Minister amid a dispute over military spending levels.
When questioned by Sky News presenter Cathy Newman about whether he would put himself forward, Carns responded that “internal bloodletting” would not serve the party’s interests.
“Therefore, my view is that we need to get on board,” Carns said.
“Andy has done an excellent job leading Manchester, handled the pandemic response commendably, managed the aftermath of the Manchester Arena attack effectively, and steered the city’s economy in a positive direction.”
“If we can replicate that success at the local and regional levels—and then across the nation—I believe we are addressing the right priorities.”