Andy Burnham is set to become Britain's next prime minister after securing the backing of 349 Labour MPs, including all eligible members of Keir Starmer's current cabinet. This level of support makes it impossible for any other candidate to secure the 81 nominations needed to launch a leadership challenge.
Landslide Support for Burnham
The new MP for Makerfield received an additional 27 nominations on Monday, bringing his total from 322 last week to 349. With only 54 MPs yet to back him—including Starmer and Shabana Mahmood, who cannot nominate due to her role as national executive committee (NEC) chair—no rival can now enter the contest.
Burnham is expected to formally replace Starmer as Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday and walk through the doors of No 10 to become prime minister next Monday. He used an online hustings with the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) to urge MPs to unite behind his leadership.
Pledge for a Broad Church Cabinet
Burnham told the PLP on Monday night that he promised to build a “broad church” cabinet, reflecting the Labour movement's tradition. He said all appointments next week will represent all wings of the party, based on “contribution, experience and commitment.”
In a bid to reset relations between No 10 and Labour MPs, Burnham vowed to create a “team and culture where everyone is valued, seen and listened to.” He said he wants to be “accountable, visible and accessible” to establish a feedback loop from the PLP into local communities and back to the leadership and cabinet ministers, which he described as essential for good policy-making and delivery.
Focus on Devolution and Cost of Living
Burnham said his administration will focus on delivering good growth in every postcode, devolving more power to communities, and putting the cost of living at the front and centre of government. His emphasis on devolution and “the north” has left some Labour MPs anxious that only allies with northern constituencies or those linked to what some have described as the “blue Labour movement” will see immediate benefits from his leadership and policies.
He began the hustings by paying tribute to Ann Widdecombe, saying Labour's thoughts are with her family and friends, while urging politicians to give police “the resources and space they need” to investigate her death.
Praise for Starmer and Hillsborough Law
Burnham also praised Starmer, who is in the final days of his premiership, for delivering the Hillsborough law, noting the prime minister kept the promise he made to the families of the 1989 disaster. He told MPs that the country expects Labour to come together at a “significant moment” for Britain.
Meanwhile, the Guardian understands Starmer's formal resignation at Buckingham Palace, previously scheduled for early next Monday, has been pushed back to later in the morning due to England's World Cup run. Starmer is expected to attend Sunday's final in New Jersey if England beat Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday. He is due to formally meet King Charles the following day. The logistics of a transatlantic flight mean the original slot was deemed impractical.
Additional Nominations and Reactions
Others who nominated Burnham on Monday included junior ministers Chris Bryant and Mike Tapp, former minister Jess Phillips, and Richard Burgon, secretary of the leftwing Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs. The extra nominations also included backing from communities secretary Steve Reed, a key ally of Keir Starmer. Reed was the only cabinet member not to nominate Burnham last week. Shabana Mahmood and Anna Turley, by convention, will not nominate anyone due to their positions as chairs of Labour's NEC and the party respectively. Starmer, as outgoing leader, also by convention does not take part.
