Andy Burnham returned to Westminster on Monday amid a frenzy of media interest, receiving a hero's welcome from Labour MPs who anticipate he could lead them within weeks. The new Makerfield MP posed for pictures with scores of colleagues in Westminster Hall, including former health secretary Wes Streeting, who had been seen as his main leadership rival before endorsing Burnham earlier that day.
Hero's Welcome in Westminster Hall
Former armed forces minister Al Carns, another potential leadership candidate, was among the MPs gathered in the medieval hall for the return of the 'King of the North'. Burnham was welcomed with a round of applause and accompanied by deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell and Dame Jessica Morden, chairwoman of the Parliamentary Labour Party. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, chief whip Jonathan Reynolds, and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner were also present.
The public show of support suggests little appetite for a contest, with Burnham potentially becoming prime minister by mid-July if no other challenger emerges following Sir Keir Starmer's decision to quit as Labour leader.
Swearing-In and Heckling
The Westminster Hall gathering occurred shortly after Burnham was sworn in as an MP, following his by-election victory last week. One MP heckled him, saying 'he's not the messiah,' to which Burnham replied, 'Naughty boy,' nodding to Monty Python's Life of Brian. His arrival at Parliament was met with a small protest, including calls of 'traitor' as he stepped out of his taxi from London's Euston station.
Burnham swept through the parliamentary estate escorted by security guards, pausing to greet Labour MPs including former defence secretary John Healey, who embraced him.
Journey from Manchester
Burnham's journey from Manchester was closely monitored, with rolling news footage of his delayed Avanti West Coast train, which arrived 21 minutes late. He was met by around 50 journalists, photographers, and videographers at Euston. Burnham earned the nickname 'King of the North' during his tenure as Greater Manchester mayor, a role he automatically lost after winning the Makerfield seat.
'It's been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester,' Burnham said. 'The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I've loved every minute of the role. I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.'
