Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and a close ally of Keir Starmer, has indicated he does not wish to keep his current post under Andy Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, even though he abandoned his own leadership ambitions to support Burnham. Speaking at the Politico Conference in London, Jones said the role required someone fully committed to the leader's "project", and appeared to hint that he was not that person, raising questions about how firmly he backs Burnham's agenda.

Jones stressed he would still "love" to serve in Burnham's top team, but in a different capacity, arguing the Chief Secretary post needed a trusted deputy who had bought into the leader's plans. His comments came amid reports that Burnham is weighing a "one and done" approach, delaying all cabinet announcements until he formally enters Downing Street. Whitehall figures have reportedly voiced concern that this could hamper transition preparations, while markets are anxious to learn who will become the next Chancellor.