Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming the next Prime Minister after securing nominations from 322 Labour MPs, including overwhelming backing from London representatives. The former Greater Manchester mayor is just one short of the 323 nominations needed to mathematically block any rival, and no other candidate has entered the race.
Burnham's Path to Power
Nominations for the Labour leadership opened on Thursday, and Burnham has already secured 80% support from the Parliamentary Labour Party. Even if a late challenger emerges, they have virtually no hope of obtaining the required nominations. If no one else contests, Burnham will be declared leader next week and become Prime Minister on July 20.
Burnham expressed deep gratitude to nominating MPs, stating their support “comes from across the PLP and reflects 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.”
London MPs Lead Support
At least 43 of Labour's 59 London MPs have endorsed Burnham. Kensington and Bayswater MP Joe Powell said: “I know Andy has what it takes to unite people in this country in a hopeful vision that rejects the politics of division and negativity.” Tooting MP Rosena Allin-Khan noted his “record of delivery as Mayor of Manchester” and vision to unite the Labour family.
Cities of London and Westminster MP Rachel Blake confirmed her nomination after “speaking listening to many local constituents.” Almost every Cabinet member backed Burnham, including former potential challengers Wes Streeting and Al Carns.
Cabinet Support and Exceptions
Key Starmer ally Steve Reed, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, and party chairwoman Anna Turley did not nominate Burnham on Thursday, but this does not necessarily indicate opposition. Reed has previously suggested his support, and nominations require in-person or proxy votes.
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he thought Burnham would make a good prime minister, recalling their collaboration on the Investigatory Powers Bill in 2015 and Northern Powerhouse Rail since 2024. Starmer also praised Burnham's response to the Heaton Park synagogue attack last year.
Foreign Policy Vision
Burnham outlined a tougher stance on Israel over Gaza, apologizing for Labour's previous position and saying the UK was “too slow to call for a ceasefire.” He proposed further sanctions on those involved in Gaza violence and measures to ban trade with illegal settlements. In The Times, he committed to NATO, the nuclear deterrent, US ties, Ukraine support, and closer EU relations.
Nominations remain open until July 16. Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17 and is expected to become Prime Minister on July 20.
