Title: Al Carns and Darren Jones’ Challenge to Burnham Labeled ‘Not Realistic’ by Ayesha Hazarika
In a recent discussion on Times Radio, political commentator Ayesha Hazarika expressed skepticism over the challenges posed by Al Carns and Darren Jones to Andy Burnham in the upcoming Labour leadership election. In a candid analysis, Hazarika emphasized that while both Carns and Jones are noteworthy figures in the party, their chances of unseating the seasoned Burnham are highly improbable.
Hazarika described Carns as “somebody to definitely keep an eye on,” acknowledging his potential within Labour circles. She noted his drive and vision for political change, suggesting that he represents a new wave of thinking. However, she quickly tempered her praise with a stark reality check, stating that the prospect of him genuinely challenging Burnham is “far fetched.”
Turning her attention to Darren Jones, Hazarika labeled him “super smart,” highlighting his insightful contributions to party policy. Despite her admiration for Jones’ intellect, she reiterated the same doubts regarding his ability to mount a serious challenge against Burnham, who has solidified his position as a formidable force within Labour.
Hazarika’s remarks sparked a broader conversation about the current state of Labour leadership and the dynamics at play as the party heads into a pivotal election cycle. With Andy Burnham’s established popularity and experience, the path to leadership appears steeper for challengers like Carns and Jones than many may realize.
As political battles unfold, observers are left to ponder the implications of Hazarika’s insights. Can emerging leaders carve out a niche in a party dominated by familiar faces, or will the status quo prevail? The upcoming months promise to bring critical developments in the Labour leadership landscape, with Burnham remaining a central figure to watch.
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Video “Al Carns and Darren Jones Challenge To Burnham ‘Not Realistic’ | Ayesha Hazarika” was uploaded on 06/23/2026 to Youtube Channel Times News

































Jones and Carns are a lot more appealing than Burnham for leading this country.
Darren Jones the man that doesn’t know the difference between Man & Woman
Most people actually outside the Westminster bubble would want Al Carns not Burnham – Ayesha Hazarika = a political hack that's spent far too much time in establishment thinking and can't think outside the box
Al Carns should be PM
Andy Burnham is the same or maybe worse than Starmer, Burnham like Starter covered up the grooming gangs scandal !
GET BURNHAM OUT NOW !
Open the northsea up and scrap carbon capture as the tech isn't ready. Keep Ed on the side lines.
Instant win with the markets and the unions.
Ayesha comment on the Rupert Lowe grooming gang report broken just now. Khan and starmer knew the report was due. Do you think starmer got out because he knew what was init .he chased th Muslim vote as though it was gold to Blair and Campbell. Comments please please please NOw ayesha please.
The sooner we get him in, the sooner we can get him out.
Darren Jones is a corrupted supporter of Labour Friends of Israel (LFI).
Not only is Murrell going down, but the judge also described his embezzlement as 'not sophisticated'. Ouch 😀
Al Carns has a chance Darren Jones is an extension of Starmer and a lawyer who is equally incompetent for PM – don’t forget Jones was in No 11 behind the terrible two budgets that increased inflation from 2% and high borrowing and spend!
He writes /speaks with the Fabians !
I think an election should be held; it should not be left up to the Labour Party, who we have as a PM, it should be up to the voters.
A PM is the top job in the country and shapes all our lives; we have a right to have a say in that,
Starmer got a mandate no one else.
We are either a democracy or we are not.
Why are the Times allowing a left-wing Labour member of the House of Lords that MOCKED at white working class child victims of Muslim child murderers, rapists and torturers.
Disgraceful
Good spelling, guys. Outdoing The Grauniad!
Who cares?. They are all grifters after power and couldn't give a monkeys about the people. Miliband is dangerous and should be locked up immediately.
Apart from his appointment as Defence Minister, Al Carns has no political experience in depth, having won his first seat just two years ago after relinquishing a long and successful career in the military.
Darren Jones has more experience, including cabinet level appointments, That said, he is more of a Burnham ally, having been part of his team at a previous leadership contest.
I don't see either as challengers to Burnham at this time as I've not heard. At least Carns left government on a point of principle over the one issue of Defence spending. Jones stood outside number 11 with others when Starmer made his public announcement of quitting the Leadership of the Labour party, Unlike Streeting, he is still in government and presumably also a Starmer ally. Given that Streeting has announced that he won't run against Burnham as they have more in common with what needs to be done, Jones's apparent allegiance to Starmer – with a steady as she goes, don't rock the boat as we are making progress approach, would not garner the support of 81 Labour MPs needed to see them in a contest.
I think the Leadership and the Premiership that goes with it is Burnham's to lose and we will see a new PM before the end of July.
Only the most bitter and self-indulgent would try to divide such a rarely united Labour party. Shame on them
Adviser to Ed Milliband? Nearly soiled myself laughing. Is Burnham respected? Not a chance. Gaslighting 101.
Is there any realistic chance that someone at 'The Times' CAN SPELL?
get real guys – back Andy and lets start building homes etc faster then ever – come on Andy
These politics songs creates stress and depression in us elderly can we have football instead to cheer us up.
Al Carn should go for.
Carns as PM, Burnham as DPM, Streeting at Treasury, Starmer at Foreign, Mahmood at Home, Jarvis at Defence, Healey on National Resilience, Benn on Devolution, Phillipson at Health. We need someone to unify no more division
7:16 😁 That was brilliant.
My god, I remember Barbara Castle, Nigel Lawson, Margaret Thatcher, Harold Wilson, John Smith, Denis Healey, and many more. These were statesmen and women, compared to today's PYGMIES.