Andy Burnham set to become UK Labour leader and succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 09:57

By: Sahili Aya

Andy Burnham set to become UK Labour leader and succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister

Former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is now set to become the next leader of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party and is expected to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer after securing overwhelming support from Labour lawmakers.

Burnham has obtained the backing required to enter the final stage of the leadership process, according to a tally released by the party. Although he still needs approval from three affiliated organizations, including at least two trade unions, the step is widely viewed as a formality.

Strong parliamentary backing clears path to leadership

The former mayor received support from 27 additional Labour members of Parliament on Monday, adding to the 322 endorsements he had already secured when voting opened.

With backing from 349 of the party’s 403 MPs, Burnham has passed the threshold needed to become a candidate. No rival contender can now gather the 81 nominations required to enter the leadership race.

The final deadline for participation in the vote is Wednesday, before the official transition process begins.

From Manchester mayor to Downing Street

Burnham is expected to be formally appointed Labour leader on July 17 during an extraordinary party conference. He would then move to 10 Downing Street around July 20, following a meeting with Charles III.

His rise marks a return to national politics after several years as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he built a profile around regional development, public services and greater local decision-making powers.

Burnham secured a seat in Parliament through a by-election on June 19, a necessary step that allowed him to launch his bid for the Labour leadership. He had previously attempted to lead the party twice, in 2010 and 2015.

Focus on decentralisation and economic growth

Since returning to Westminster, Burnham has begun outlining his priorities for government. A central element of his programme is a major decentralisation agenda aimed at transferring more powers away from central government and giving regions greater control over economic development.

He has argued that empowering local authorities could help stimulate growth and address regional inequalities across the country.

Burnham’s expected arrival at the head of Labour comes at a pivotal moment for the United Kingdom, as the next government faces economic challenges, public service pressures and demands for a new political direction.