Andy Burnham, the frontrunner to become the next prime minister, has said speculation about an extra bank holiday if England win the World Cup “might be a bit premature”. The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17, with the formal handover to the premiership taking place on July 20, the next working day after the World Cup final.
Burnham Could Be PM by July 20
Mr Burnham could become prime minister as soon as July 20 if he remains the only candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer. The World Cup final will take place in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in the US on Sunday July 19 at 8pm UK time. If no other candidates step forward, nominations for the leadership position close on July 16, and a special conference on July 17 is expected to confirm him as Labour leader. However, it is understood he would not become prime minister immediately, with the formal handover occurring on July 20, in line with the party’s previous practice.
England's World Cup Progress
England will face Mexico in the round of 16 after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham scored in that victory. The match against Mexico kicks off at 1am on Monday, and the Government has announced that pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 5am for the game, extending beyond the 2am opening hours already in place for England matches during the tournament.
Burnham's Cautious Optimism
Asked by Andrew Marr on LBC about England’s performance, the Everton fan said: “We struggled, let’s say. And full respect to the Democratic Republic of Congo, but I think we might be getting ahead of ourselves.” He added: “There’s a very big game coming up on Sunday. We do have to live in hope. I think, you know, it might be a bit premature to be speculating. It would be a fantastic moment, wouldn’t it, and we can hope and pray that.” Burnham, an Evertonian, said he never backs anything when it comes to football, including England. “I’m an Evertonian, I do not ever back anything when it comes to football, I don’t do it with England either,” he said.
Bank Holiday Speculation
Mr Burnham would not be drawn on whether he would agree to a bank holiday if England win the World Cup. The Makerfield MP told LBC that the England team had “a bit of improvement to do before we can start seriously dreaming of it coming home”. The speculation comes as England fans hope for a repeat of the 1966 victory, with the team now in the knockout stages of the tournament.
