Andy Burnham will be confirmed as Labour Party leader today at a special conference at noon, before becoming Prime Minister on Monday. The Makerfield MP, who returned to Parliament last month, ran uncontested after no other challengers emerged to replace Keir Starmer.
Burnham's Pledge: 'Unashamedly Labour'
Burnham will promise to be 'unashamedly Labour' in his first speech as leader, expected around 2.30pm. He will outline plans for economic renewal, more public control, and reindustrialisation, arguing that Britain took 'a series of wrong turns in the 1980s' when 'political power was centralised and economic power privatised'.
Starmer's Endorsement
In his final newspaper interview as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer told The Mirror that Labour can win the next general election under Burnham. 'There is now I think a sound footing, a sound foundation, and the party can go on and win a second term, which is what I always thought we could do,' Starmer said. He added that he hands over 'the country and the party in good shape after six and a half years'.
Cabinet Appointments Expected
Burnham is expected to name his cabinet in the coming days. Shabana Mahmood is widely expected to replace Rachel Reeves as Chancellor. The former Greater Manchester mayor re-entered Westminster last month after winning the Makerfield seat.
Transition Timeline
Burnham will be confirmed as leader at a special conference at noon today. He will deliver a speech at around 2.30pm. On Monday, he will enter No10 after Starmer hands his resignation to the King. Starmer said he will 'go with good grace' and support an orderly transition.
