Andy Burnham latest: Labour MP’s last potential leadership threat Al Carns backs PM-in-waiting

The last remaining potential rival to Andy Burnham as the next Labour leader and prime minister has revealed he will not stand against the Makerfield MP.

Former defence minister Al Carns has told Sky News he will back Burnham instead, clearing the way for a “coronation”, not a contest.

Any prospective candidates have until next Wednesday at 6pm to get the required 81 backers but if no other challengers come forward, Burnham will become Labour leader two days later.

Earlier, Nigel Farage has formally resigned as an MP after Rachel Reeves approved his request to allow the formal mechanism for him to step down, but said he was creating a “farce”.

“If he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won’t stop him,” the chancellor said.

Satirical candidate Count Binface appears to be Mr Farage’s main electoral rival in the Clacton by-election as Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and Restore Britain are refusing to stand candidates.

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