Andy Burnham secured nominations from 322 of Labour’s 403 MPs on the first day
of the party’s leadership contest, making him the clear favorite to replace Keir
Starmer and assume the role of UK prime minister. Burnham said he was grateful
for colleagues’ support and outlined plans to devolve power away from
Westminster, reshape the economic model and promote broader-based growth. Rival
candidates failed to reach the 81-MP nomination threshold; Burnham needs one
more nomination to become the sole candidate. The leadership contest closes July
17 and he is expected to take office July 20. Starmer will not participate in
the nomination vote by convention.
