ANDY BURNHAM POISED TO BECOME BRITAIN'S NEXT PRIME MINISTER

Andy Burnham is poised to become Britain's next prime minister after securing overwhelming support from Labour lawmakers in the race to replace Keir Starmer, according to Reuters. Reuters reported that Burnham received backing from 322 of Labour's 403 members of Parliament on the first day of nominations, putting him within one nomination of becoming the sole candidate.

The Labour leadership contest follows Starmer's resignation in June after Labour's poor performance in May local elections, according to Reuters. Starmer's departure opened a rapid succession process in a governing party that still holds a large parliamentary majority.

Reuters reported that the official nomination period closes next Thursday. Burnham is expected to be formally appointed Labour leader next Friday if no rival reaches the required threshold or if other potential candidates step aside, with an announcement of his prime ministership scheduled for July 20, according to Reuters.

Burnham's path strengthened when Al Carns, a former junior defence minister seen as a potential rival, said he would not run, according to Reuters. Reuters reported that some MPs were unable to vote on Thursday, but many were expected to support Burnham when Parliament reconvenes on Monday.

Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester and a former Labour MP, according to Reuters. He has long been viewed as a senior Labour figure with a political base outside London, and his expected move to Downing Street would bring a regional mayor directly into national leadership.

The Guardian reported that Burnham would enter office facing a large policy agenda, including welfare, defence spending, immigration, justice reform, public utilities, AI regulation and relations with the United States and Europe. The Guardian said he is expected to emphasize devolution and what it described as a "rewired Britain" approach to government.

The leadership transition also comes during a difficult foreign-policy period. The Guardian reported that Burnham would inherit strained relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, tensions in the Middle East and cautious talks with the European Union under post-Brexit limits.

The immediate political question is whether Burnham becomes Labour leader unopposed or whether any remaining challenger can force a longer contest. Reuters reported that his nomination total and the withdrawal of possible rivals have made his path to Downing Street increasingly clear, but the formal process had not yet concluded at the time of reporting.

If confirmed, Burnham would take office with Labour trying to reset after Starmer's resignation and local-election losses. Reuters reported that the party's immediate task is to complete the leadership process, form a government team and define a government direction before Parliament and voters judge the new administration.

Fact-check date: 10 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Labour Party leadership reporting