Andy Burnham is on the verge of becoming Britain’s next prime minister after receiving an overwhelming endorsement from Labour MPs, placing him in a commanding position to succeed Keir Starmer.
On Thursday, Burnham revealed that he had secured nominations from 322 of Labour’s 403 members of parliament on the opening day of the nomination process, leaving him just one nomination short of becoming the sole candidate.
“It’s all starting to feel very real,” Burnham said in a short video clip announcing that he had nominated himself.
Nominations for the Labour leadership will remain open until next Thursday. Burnham is widely expected to be confirmed as Labour leader next Friday before being officially appointed prime minister on July 20.
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Once he reaches the 323-nomination threshold, no other contender will be able to obtain the required 81 nominations needed to qualify for the leadership race to replace Starmer.
Several Labour MPs who were unable to vote on Thursday have indicated they will support Burnham when Parliament reconvenes on Monday.
Burnham’s route to the leadership was effectively cleared on Wednesday evening after former junior defence minister Al Carns announced he would not challenge him for the position.
Keir Starmer announced his resignation last month following Labour’s disappointing showing in the May local elections, which triggered increasing calls from party lawmakers for new leadership and a fresh direction.
Reuters
