Senior Labour MPs are considering leadership bids to prevent Andy Burnham from becoming prime minister without a full contest, following Keir Starmer’s resignation.

Former defence minister Al Carns and Sir Keir’s Chief Secretary Darren Jones have both been floated as potential challengers, though neither has confirmed a run.

Burnham is widely seen as the frontrunner after his by-election win and has already declared his intention to stand.

Some MPs are uneasy about the prospect of a “coronation” and are pushing for a competitive leadership race with proper scrutiny, the BBC has reported.

Nominations open on 9 July and close on 16 July, with candidates needing the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs.