*** Senior Labour MPs weigh leadership bids to block Burnham's uncontested rise | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Senior Labour MPs weigh leadership bids to block Burnham's uncontested rise

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London: Growing discontent within the party over an uncontested transition after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation has led to at least two senior Labour MPs considering making leadership bids to stop Andy Burnham from becoming Britain's next prime minister without a formal contest, according to media reports.

As the primary contender to replace Starmer, Burnham has gained the support of a number of prominent Labour politicians, including former health secretary Wes Streeting, who has declared himself out of the contest and backed Burnham. Instead of letting Burnham assume power without opposition, several MPs are now debating whether to enter the race to guarantee that party members get a voice at the new leader.

According to Labour Party regulations, a leadership election can only take place if more than one candidate receives sufficient nominations. If no candidate qualifies, Burnham may become Labour leader and prime minister without a vote of party members. Nominations for leadership positions are likely to commence in early July.