The nation could have a new prime minister within weeks after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election – beating his Reform opponent Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes.
Burnham is unlikely to make any immediate moves against Sir Keir Starmer, however. He is likley to spend Friday in the constituency before travelling to London on Monday where he will be officially sworn into Parliament – by taking the oath of allegiance to the Crown.
Only then can he take part in full Parliamentary proceedings.
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Team Burnham‘s preferred option will be for a swift coronation, hoping Starmer will step down and rival contender Wes Streeting will not challenge. But they will also be braced for a drawn-out leadership fight if Starmer digs in or Streeting wants to fight it out.
