The Labour Party will hold a special conference today to formally confirm Andy Burnham as the new party leader. The Makerfield MP emerged as the only eligible candidate after receiving 369 endorsements from his party's MPs, more than 80 per cent of the total, making it impossible for any other candidate to secure the required number of nominations.
Burnham to Become Prime Minister Following Starmer's Resignation
Mr Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, will now become the next prime minister of the UK following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation last month. The nomination process closed on Thursday evening, July 16, and the special conference in London will announce the results at 12pm today, July 17. The new leader will make his first address at the conference.
Transition of Power
While Mr Burnham automatically becomes the new Labour leader upon the announcement, he will have to wait three days before officially becoming prime minister on Monday, July 20. Sir Keir will deliver his last address from Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace to formally hand in his resignation to King Charles III. Mr Burnham will then be invited to form a new government and will arrive in Downing Street to make his first speech as prime minister.
Starmer's Support
During his final appearance at the despatch box in the House of Commons, Sir Keir pledged his “wholehearted support” to Mr Burnham. Asked if he had any advice for his successor, Sir Keir said: “I will give my wholehearted support to my successor. I want this Labour Government to be a success. I want our country to be a success. I shall give my support privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for.”
Burnham's Policy Priorities
Mr Burnham has already outlined several areas he will focus on as leader. These include handing more power to local leaders, creating a 'Number 10 in the North' to shift decision-making outside of London, delivering the 'biggest council house building programme since WW2', and reforming the education system to create a 'path for everyone' into the career they want.
