Andy Burnham is poised to become the next leader of the Labour Party this week, having garnered enough support from MPs to avoid any potential challenges. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is now set to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, received backing from 349 MPs by the nomination deadline on Monday, with an additional 27 endorsements today.
With the support he has secured, no other Labour Party member can reach the required threshold of 81 MPs to contest the leadership. Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after serving as Mayor for nine years, will be officially announced as the new Labour leader on Friday at a special conference. Subsequently, on July 20, he will make his first official visit to 10 Downing Street as the Prime Minister.
During a virtual event organized by the party, Labour MPs planned to question Burnham about his government plans on Monday evening. Burnham is expected to emphasize the need for unity, focusing on priorities such as equitable growth across all regions, empowering communities, and addressing the challenges of the cost of living.
In his address to the Parliamentary party, Burnham will stress the importance of unity and listening to all MPs, highlighting his commitment to inclusivity within the party. He will also acknowledge Keir Starmer’s efforts, particularly in fulfilling his pledge to the Hillsborough families by enacting the Hillsborough Law before leaving office.
Describing the Labour Party as a diverse entity, Burnham pledges to reflect this diversity in his appointments. Meanwhile, as Starmer begins his final week in office, he is engaged in diplomatic activities, including meetings with European allies of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Additionally, he is expected to participate in Bastille Day events in Paris before concluding his term with the final Prime Minister’s Questions.
Rachel Reeves, who is anticipated to step down as Chancellor, advised Burnham to stay focused on his goals and be prepared for the challenges of governance. She emphasized the importance of clarity in objectives and maintaining focus on driving positive change in the country.