Al Carns keeps Labour leadership options open ahead of Andy Burnham’s key policy speech

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has refused to rule out a bid for the Labour leadership, saying a major speech by leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham will play a crucial role in determining whether he enters the race.

Speaking to BBC Politics Midlands, the Birmingham Selly Oak MP said he wanted Burnham to present not only an inspiring vision but also a practical roadmap for Britain’s future. According to Carns, the country needs clear goals backed by realistic plans if Labour is to maintain public confidence and successfully lead the nation.

“We need to see a vision, we need to see the plan because unfortunately a vision without a plan is a dream,” Carns said.

He explained that he wanted Burnham to outline where he expects Britain to be by 2029 and again by 2034 or 2035. Among the priorities he believes should be addressed are improving national health, growing the economy, strengthening national security and ensuring younger generations enjoy greater opportunities than those before them.

Carns stressed that while detailed policy proposals were not immediately necessary, the direction of travel needed to be clearly defined.

“I’m not going to start jumping up and down until I’ve had a look,” he said, adding that Burnham’s upcoming speech would help determine whether he could unite the Labour Party behind a common agenda.

If Carns decides to enter the leadership contest, he would first need to secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs, as well as endorsements from affiliated organisations such as trade unions. His path would be challenging, particularly after several high-profile Labour figures, including Wes Streeting and Darren Jones, chose not to stand against Burnham, allowing the former Greater Manchester Mayor to strengthen his position as the race’s leading candidate.

Defence spending remains one of the central issues influencing Carns’ thinking. He resigned as Armed Forces Minister earlier this month after expressing concerns over the government’s defence budget and its long-term commitments.

The government is expected to publish its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan before the NATO summit scheduled for 7 July. Carns believes defence should be viewed as more than military equipment and weapons, arguing that true national security also depends on strengthening Britain’s resilience, infrastructure and public services.

He rejected suggestions that increased defence spending should come at the expense of welfare.

“I don’t agree with that premise,” Carns said, arguing that the government should instead focus on improving efficiency across departments to generate savings without reducing support for vulnerable citizens.

The debate has highlighted clear political differences. Conservative MP Neil Shastri-Hurst argued that welfare spending should be reduced to help finance defence, including restoring the two-child benefit cap. Meanwhile, Reform UK representative Dawn Husemann proposed redirecting funding from net-zero initiatives and certain welfare programmes, insisting defence spending should continue rising beyond the government’s current target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035.

As Labour prepares for a possible leadership transition, Burnham’s upcoming speech is expected to provide the clearest indication yet of his priorities. For Al Carns, it may also determine whether he challenges for the party’s top job or throws his support behind the frontrunner.