Andy Burnham is one step away from becoming Labour leader after 322 MPs backed him.
This near-unanimous support puts Burnham on the brink of becoming the next prime minister, with only one more nomination needed to make it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him.
According to Labour MPs, some were unable to vote on Thursday but will back Burnham once they return to Parliament, all but guaranteeing his victory.
Burnham’s rapid rise to power follows his by-election win in Makerfield just weeks ago, and if no one else enters the contest, he will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July.
In a statement, Burnham said he was “deeply grateful” to the Labour MPs who had nominated him, citing a “shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics”.
He outlined his vision for the country, saying “that is the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode”.
Later, Burnham joked about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election in Clacton, where Labour and other main parties are boycotting the vote, with serial comedian candidate Count Binface standing.
At the Silver Clef music awards, Burnham quipped “Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don’t let us down” as he presented the Legend Award to Manchester indie band James.
With Burnham’s leadership all but confirmed, attention is turning to his plans for the country, and how he will deliver on his promise of a “new approach to politics”.
