Andy Burnham formally nominated himself to become the next leader of the Labour Party on Thursday, marking the first official step in his bid for 10 Downing Street. The Makerfield MP confirmed he remains the only declared candidate as nominations opened, with a timeline set by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) last month.
Burnham Confirms Sole Candidacy
In a video posted on social media, Burnham stated: "Strange thing to say, but I have just been in to nominate myself to be leader of the Labour Party. The nomination process has opened this morning, so, glad to see some MPs going in. I am still the only candidate in the race." He added that the first indication of MP support would come around 7pm Thursday, but noted the process would continue over several days.
Burnham joked "hopefully third time lucky" in a post accompanying the video, referencing his previous unsuccessful leadership bids in 2010 and 2015. A steady trickle of Labour MPs were seen visiting the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) offices in Westminster to submit nominations.
Coronation Likely as Challengers Step Aside
Birmingham Selly Oak MP Al Carns, considered the last potential challenger, ruled himself out on Wednesday. One MP leaving the PLP offices told the Press Association there is "no one else" appearing as a likely challenger. Several MPs joked about voting for satirical candidate Count Binface, who is standing against Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election triggered by Reform UK leader.
According to the NEC timeline, if only one candidate secures the requisite number of nominations, a leadership "special conference" will be held on Friday, July 17, where the candidate will be confirmed as the winner. Burnham appears on course for a coronation, as he was the only declared candidate when nominations began.
