Andy Burnham has officially taken over as leader of the Labour Party and will become Prime Minister within days, following the formal confirmation of his coronation. The former Greater Manchester Mayor was the only candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation last month.
Overwhelming Support from MPs and Unions
Mr Burnham, the newly-elected MP for Makerfield, received the backing of 379 of the party's 403 MPs, far surpassing the 81 needed, and also secured the support of all 11 trade unions affiliated with the party. His appointment was confirmed at a special conference at the headquarters of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in London, opened by Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell before the result was formally announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, chairwoman of the party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC).
Political Philosophy: 'Manchesterism'
Mr Burnham says he will be 'unashamedly Labour' and have the 'courage to fix the big things that politics has neglected.' He will take over as Prime Minister when Sir Keir tenders his resignation to the King on Monday, July 20. His political philosophy, dubbed 'Manchesterism' and honed during nine years as mayor, calls for 'the end of neo-liberalism' and 'the end of trickle down' economics, advocating a 'more interventionist approach to the economy' and spreading growth to regions. Among his plans is the establishment of a 'Number 10 North' in Manchester.
Party Challenges and Path to Leadership
Mr Burnham steps into the job at a time when Labour has trailed Reform UK in opinion polls for nearly 18 months. Pressure on Sir Keir to set a departure timetable intensified after the party lost almost 1,500 seats in May's local elections. A week later, then-Makerfield MP Josh Simons announced he was standing down to provide Mr Burnham a route back into parliament. After a high-profile by-election, Mr Burnham won 55 percent of the vote, boosting his credentials. Sir Keir announced his resignation on June 22, the day Mr Burnham was sworn into the Commons, stating he accepted the party's judgment with 'good grace.' He believes Labour can win the next election under Mr Burnham and is 'proud to hand over the party in good shape.'
Upcoming Mayoral By-Election
The by-election to decide Mr Burnham's replacement as mayor will take place on Thursday, July 30.
