Andy Burnham's last Labour rivals wilt in the heat as Darren Jones pulls out - and ex-Marine Al Carns says he 'wants to get behind' the favourite

With Darren Jones' withdrawal and Al Carns expressing support for Andy Burnham, it seems the remaining Labour rivals are backing down, paving the way for Burnham to solidify his position as the frontrunner. This move is significant as Burnham's dominance could influence internal party dynamics and his potential role in working with Starmer. The implications extend to the broader Labour Party, as Burnham's leadership could shape future policies and strategies, especially in the context of local and national elections.