Politics · 9 July 2026
Burnham on the brink of No 10 as 322 Labour MPs back him
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming prime minister after 322 of Labour's 403 MPs backed him on the day leadership nominations opened. The level of support, far beyond the 81 nominations required and including much of the cabinet, makes a rival challenge almost impossible. If no one else qualifies by 16 July, Burnham becomes Labour leader automatically and could be sworn in as prime minister by 20 July.
Reported by Associated Press · How we write briefs