Andy Burnham has secured 80% of nominations from Labour MPs to become the next leader of the Labour Party, putting him on track to become Prime Minister. The former Greater Manchester mayor received backing from 322 MPs by 5pm on Thursday, the first day nominations opened to succeed Sir Keir Starmer.
Overwhelming Support from Parliamentary Party
This support represents 80% of the parliamentary party, leaving only 81 MPs undeclared. Under party rules, a candidate needs 81 nominations to progress to a ballot. Since the outgoing leader does not nominate a candidate by convention, no other candidate can now reach the threshold. Mr Burnham, the only declared candidate, said he is “deeply grateful” to those who backed him.
He stated that the nominations came from across the Parliamentary Labour Party and reflect “a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics.” He added: “I want to empower MPs to bring the experiences of their constituents into the heart of government and harness the full breadth of our Labour movement, drawing on all its traditions and beliefs in pursuit of a common purpose. I want to thank every colleague who has nominated me for their commitment to that vision.”
Cabinet and Union Backing
Mr Burnham has the backing of almost every Cabinet member, including former health secretary Wes Streeting and former armed forces minister Al Carns, who had been seen as potential challengers but ruled themselves out. However, three Cabinet members did not nominate him: Steve Reed, an ally of Sir Keir; Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, mentioned as a potential future Chancellor; and party chairwoman Anna Turley. This does not necessarily indicate a lack of support, as nominations require in-person or limited proxy submission.
To be formally nominated, Mr Burnham also needs support from three affiliated organisations, including two trade unions. Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said her union’s executive committee had unanimously decided to endorse him.
Sir Keir Starmer's Endorsement
As nominations opened, Sir Keir told reporters he thought Mr Burnham would make a good prime minister, citing their collaboration on the Investigatory Powers Bill in 2015 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in 2024. He also praised Mr Burnham’s response to the Heaton Park synagogue attack last year, adding: “I’ve always worked very well with Andy.”
Path to Premiership
Nominations remain open until July 16. If no other candidate emerges, Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17 and is set to become Prime Minister on July 20. On foreign policy, he has signalled a tougher stance on Israel over Gaza, including potential further sanctions, and has stated in The Times his desire for stability through commitment to Nato, the nuclear deterrent, close ties with the US, support for Ukraine, and closer relations with the EU.
