Labour's Andy Burnham is expected to become the next British prime minister on 20 July

Burnham set for UK Labour Party leadership coronation

· RTE.ie

Al Carns has ruled himself out of the UK Labour Party leadership race, paving the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister.

Though nominations for the leadership contest open on Thursday and prospective candidates technically have time to get the necessary 81 MP backers, the former armed forces minister is thought to be the last viable challenger who was considering whether to put himself forward.

In the absence of any other candidates, former Greater Manchester mayor Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on 17 July.

He is expected to become prime minister on 20 July.

The Makerfield MP will still take part in an online hustings with Labour MPs, even if he is the only one in the running.

Former minister Al Carns said a leadership contest was not the 'best use of Labour's time'

Mr Carns was asked on Sky News if he would put himself forward, and said it is clear to him that a three-month contest is "probably not the best use of Labour's time".

"So, my view would be we need to get on board. Andy’s done a good job with Manchester, he’s done a great job during Covid, he’s seen the Manchester Arena attack and dealt with that very effectively, and the economic trajectory of Manchester’s in a positive way.

"If we can do that at the local, the regional level, and the national level, I think that’s hitting the right place."