LONDON (AP) — Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Britain’s next prime minister after securing the backing on Thursday from 80% of Labour lawmakers in a party leadership contest.
On the day nominations opened in the election to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Burnham secured the support of 322 of the 403 Labour members of Parliament, far exceeding the 81 needed to run.
That makes it almost impossible for another legislator to get enough support to challenge him, a prospect that was already unlikely.
Burnham said on social media that he was “deeply grateful” for the support of Labour MPs, which “reflects a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics.”
Throughout the day, lawmakers trudged up a narrow staircase to a Labour office in the Parliament building to sign nomination papers for Burnham, who has gone from being mayor of Greater Manchester to leader-in-waiting in the space of a few weeks.
“It’s all starting to feel very real,” Burnham said in a social media video, confirming that he had nominated himself.
Nominations remain open until July 16. Burnham is highly likely to be announced as Labour’s new leader the following day, and become prime minister after a meeting with King Charles III on July 20.
Britain’s parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders, and thus prime ministers, without the need for a general election. The next national election does not have to be held until 2029.
