Andy Burnham is one nomination away from sealing the Labour leadership and becoming prime minister – but already faces a stark warning from Tony Blair that his net zero agenda is unaffordable.
The former Greater Manchester mayor has been backed by 322 of 403 Labour MPs, just one short of the threshold that would make it mathematically impossible for a rival to enter the race. With no other candidates expected, Burnham will be declared leader next week and take office on 20 July, capping an extraordinary rise since his by-election win in Makerfield weeks ago.
“Andy Burnham is one MP shy of being confirmed Labour leader, as Tony Blair warns his net zero plans are unaffordable.”
In a statement, Burnham said he was “deeply grateful” for the support, which he said reflected “a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics”. He promised a “circuit breaker” — power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode.
But former prime minister Tony Blair has publicly warned that the country “can’t afford” Labour’s net zero targets, arguing the government is “penalising” British businesses with its climate policies. The intervention, reported by the Daily Mail, comes as Ed Miliband is said to be “ready to approve a North Sea gas field” in a bid to land the job of chancellor under Burnham.
Burnham, meanwhile, found time to joke about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election in his own constituency of Clacton. Speaking at the Silver Clef music awards at the Royal Albert Hall, Burnham said: “The legends that we’re here to honour have not shied away from politics in their career… except to say this, ‘Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don’t let us down.’” Labour and other main parties are boycotting the Clacton vote; Count Binface is standing as a candidate.
Candidates have until Wednesday to gather the backing of 81 Labour MPs to enter the leadership race. With Burnham already at 322, time is running out for any challenger — and for the party to resolve the tensions between its green ambitions and the economic realities Blair has highlighted.