The Strait of Hormuz. Map graphic DWA
Burnham on brink of becoming UK PM after securing overwhelming Labour backing
Andy Burnham has moved to the verge of becoming the United Kingdom’s next prime minister after securing the backing of 322 Labour MPs in the first round of nominations for the party’s leadership contest.
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is the only declared candidate to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned as Labour leader following the party’s poor performance in recent local elections. His tally leaves him just one nomination short of the 323 required to make it mathematically impossible for another contender to enter the race.
Several Labour MPs who were unable to vote on the opening day have indicated they intend to back Burnham once Parliament reconvenes, making his election all but certain if no rival emerges before nominations close next week.
