Andy Burnham is set to become the next prime minister after emerging as the only declared candidate in the Labour leadership contest, paving the way for a swift coronation. The Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester mayor will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17, with his appointment as prime minister expected on July 20.
No Challengers Remain
Nominations for the leadership contest opened on Thursday, July 9, with Burnham as the sole candidate. Al Carns, the former armed forces minister who was considered the last potential challenger, ruled himself out on Wednesday night. Carns stated: "I'd hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate. But months of internal Labour politics isn't what the country needs right now. We've got to get on with the job. Andy Burnham's earned this and he's got my full backing."
Prospective candidates required the backing of 81 Labour MPs to enter the race. In the absence of any other candidates, Burnham will take part in an online hustings with Labour MPs on Monday evening, even if he is the only contender.
Policy Priorities and Stability
Writing in The Times on the eve of nominations opening, Burnham outlined his commitment to stability in foreign policy. He pledged to maintain support for Nato, the nuclear deterrent, close ties with the US, and backing for Ukraine, while continuing to bolster relations with the EU. He also confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, would remain in his role.
Burnham emphasized that the defence spending boost outlined in Starmer's defence investment plan should be used to support British businesses and economic growth, with a focus on inward investment. He said: "I want to be more open with the public about how and where defence funding is spent. For our biggest defence and infrastructure projects, I want to see more detailed, public progress updates, with more transparency and accountability to tackle cost overruns or delays before they spiral out of control. Our increased investment must be combined with an increase in scrutiny."
Rewiring the British State
Burnham has previously pledged to 'rewire' the British state by handing greater decision-making power to local leaders. His flagship proposal is the creation of 'No 10 North' based in Manchester, which would serve as the 'nerve centre' for delivering priorities including reindustrialisation and redistributing power across the UK.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned last month under increasing pressure from his party, triggering the leadership contest. Burnham's path to the premiership appears seamless, with no internal opposition to his candidacy.
