Andy Burnham, a 56-year-old politician nicknamed the King of the North, has emerged as the top contender to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as leader of the Labour Party and the country.

Burnham's career has taken him parliament to the mayor's office in Greater Manchester and back again. Now, he faces his greatest political test.

Labour’s Andy Burnham has won a special election for a seat in Parliament, positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer.