Agencies | London:
Even though he is just one MP nomination short of effectively securing the Labour leadership, Andy Burnham on Thursday acknowledged that “it’s all starting to feel very real,” as he moved closer to becoming Britain’s next prime minister.
The Makerfield MP, who is widely expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader following an overwhelming show of support from parliamentary colleagues, is set to inherit a series of pressing challenges, including sluggish economic growth, a persistent cost-of-living crisis and an increasingly unpredictable relationship with US President Donald Trump.
Seeking to reassure financial markets ahead of his expected elevation, Burnham has pledged to maintain fiscal discipline by adhering to the government’s existing borrowing limits while committing to curb Britain’s rising welfare expenditure.
Nicknamed the “King of the North” after winning three consecutive terms as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham said he had secured nominations from 322 of Labour’s 403 MPs on the opening day of the leadership contest—just one short of the threshold that would effectively make him the sole candidate.
“It’s all starting to feel very real,” Burnham said in a video announcing that he had formally nominated himself for the party leadership.
Nominations for the Labour leadership close next Thursday. Burnham is expected to be formally declared Labour leader the following day and is on course to become Britain’s next prime minister on July 20.
Once he secures a 323rd nomination, no other contender will be able to obtain the minimum 81 MP nominations required to enter the contest, effectively ending the race before it begins.
Several Labour MPs who were unable to submit their nominations on Thursday have already indicated they will back Burnham when Parliament reconvenes on Monday, making his path to the leadership appear all but certain.
Burnham’s route to the top post was further cleared on Wednesday after former junior defence minister Al Carns announced that he would not enter the leadership contest.
Starmer announced his resignation last month following Labour’s disappointing performance in the May local elections, which intensified calls within the party for a change in leadership and direction.
