LONDON: Darren Jon­es, an ally of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Star­mer, endorsed Andy Burn­ham to take over on Wedne­sday after saying he had been reassured by the former mayor’s economic pla­ns, including ways he could possibly borrow more.

Jones, chief secretary to Starmer, said he had discussed economic policy with Burnham after he alarmed investors last year by saying the country had to stop being in “hock to the bond markets”, comments he later said had been misrepresented.

Asked by Sky News if Burnham would borrow more, Jones said markets, trade unions and the governing Labour Party would accept targeted additional borrowing if backed by a credible plan to stimulate the economy.

Jones said there was “room to borrow a little bit more” but added that Burnham had not outlined specific spending plans in their talks.

“We talked ... a lot about what he (Burnham) was thinking on the economy and what my thoughts were on that, and some of the potential ways forward for the new government,” he said. Starmer said he would step down following mont­­hs of pressure over the par­ty’s poor poll ratings and setbacks in local elections, triggering a leadership contest to start on July 9.

Burnham is the only candidate to put his name forward and the party expects a coronation, meaning he could become prime minister by the middle of July.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026