Andy Burnham is on course to become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom after securing nominations from 322 Labour MPs, representing 80% of the parliamentary party, by 5pm on Thursday. This leaves only 81 Labour MPs who could potentially nominate another candidate, but convention dictates that the outgoing leader does not nominate, effectively closing the door on any alternative contender.
Overwhelming Support from Parliamentary Party
The former Greater Manchester mayor was already the sole declared candidate following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation on June 22, but the scale of his backing—322 nominations—makes it virtually impossible for a late challenger to secure the required 81 nominations to enter the ballot. Mr Burnham expressed his gratitude, stating he was “deeply grateful” to the 322 MPs who supported him, adding that their backing “comes from across the PLP and reflects a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics.” He emphasised his intention to “empower MPs to bring the experiences of their constituents into the heart of government and harness the full breadth of our Labour movement.”
Cabinet Support and Potential Challengers
Almost every Cabinet member endorsed Mr Burnham, including former health secretary Wes Streeting and former armed forces minister Al Carns, both previously seen as potential challengers. Mr Streeting ruled himself out within minutes of Mr Burnham's announcement, and Mr Carns declined to stand on Wednesday. Notably, four Cabinet members did not nominate Mr Burnham on Thursday: Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, party chairwoman Anna Turley, and key Starmer ally Steve Reed. However, this does not necessarily indicate opposition, as nominations require in-person or proxy votes.
Starmer's Endorsement and Past Collaboration
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voiced support for Mr Burnham, saying he would make a good prime minister. Starmer highlighted their collaboration on the Investigatory Powers Bill in 2015 and Northern Powerhouse Rail since 2024, as well as Mr Burnham's response to the Heaton Park synagogue attack. Starmer stated, “Andy was the first person I phoned to find out what was happening… I’ve always worked very well with Andy.” When asked if Mr Burnham would be a better prime minister, Starmer laughed and said, “These are things best judged by other people.”
Timeline and Foreign Policy Vision
Nominations remain open until July 16. With no other candidates, Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17 and is expected to become prime minister on July 20. Meanwhile, Mr Burnham outlined a tougher stance on Israel, apologising for Labour's previous position and saying the UK was “too slow to call for a ceasefire.” He proposed further sanctions and a ban on trade with illegal settlements. In a Times article, he reaffirmed commitment to NATO, the nuclear deterrent, US ties, Ukraine support, and closer EU relations.
