Andy Burnham's path to Downing Street appeared to become clearer on Wednesday after another potential challenger ruled himself out of the Labour leadership race.
The former Greater Manchester mayor remains the only declared candidate to replace Keir Starmer following the Prime Minister's resignation. If no challenger secures enough support to force a contest, Burnham could become Labour leader and Prime Minister by mid-July.
Attention is now turning to what a Burnham government could look like, with reports suggesting Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be moved to a more junior Cabinet role if he takes office. A spokesperson for Burnham said no decisions had been made.
Several senior figures have already been identified as possible successors to Reeves at the Treasury. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has publicly backed Burnham's leadership bid, is among those being discussed. Other names include Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The speculation comes as Burnham begins assembling a team around him while awaiting the outcome of the leadership process.
On Tuesday, Starmer and Burnham held talks for around an hour as the outgoing Prime Minister sought to ensure what allies described as an orderly transition of power. It was the pair's first meeting since Burnham won the Makerfield by-election.
Efforts to organise a challenge to Burnham appear to be losing momentum. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones confirmed he would not stand, saying Burnham would win a contest among Labour members.
Jones, a close ally of Starmer, said he had sought assurances from Burnham about his economic plans and was satisfied with the response he received.
However, former Armed Forces minister Al Carns has not ruled out entering the race. He said he was waiting to see more detail on Burnham's policy agenda before deciding whether to support him or launch a challenge of his own.
Despite that uncertainty, many Labour MPs now believe Burnham is on course to enter Number 10, with discussion increasingly focused on the composition of his future Cabinet rather than on whether he will secure the leadership itself.
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