Andy Burnham has taken another step towards becoming the next Labour leader and prime minister, after 322 out of 403 Labour MPs nominated him to replace Sir Keir Starmer – just one short of the number needed to make it mathematically impossible for a rival to enter the race. The former Greater Manchester mayor, who won a by-election in Makerfield just weeks ago, said he was 'deeply grateful' for the support, which he said reflected 'a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to politics'. That approach, he added, is 'the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode'.
If no one else enters the contest, as expected, Burnham will be declared Labour leader next week before taking office as prime minister on 20 July. But as he prepares to walk into No 10, a warning has come from the last Labour leader to win a landslide: Tony Blair. Speaking at the Tony Blair Institute’s summer drinks reception at the National Theatre in London, the former prime minister told a frank discussion with comedian Matt Forde that he would have told his 1997 self: 'You may think you're going to be loved, but you're not going to be.' The event, sponsored by Uber and attended by figures including former Tory PM Rishi Sunak, saw Blair navigate advice for the incoming leader, saying: 'I wish Andy well. I hope he succeeds. It's important for the country he succeeds.' He praised Burnham's 'very sure political touch' and described him as 'a genuinely people person'.
“Andy Burnham is one nomination shy of becoming Labour leader and PM, after 322 MPs backed him.”
Later on Thursday, Burnham joked about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s decision to trigger a by-election in his own constituency of Clacton, where Labour and other main parties are boycotting the vote. Speaking at the Silver Clef music awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where he delivered the Legend Award to Manchester indie band James, Burnham said: 'The legends that we're here to honour have not shied away from politics in their career, but I promise you, I am not going to talk politics to you tonight... Except to say this, Count Binface, you are carrying the hopes of the nation. Don't let us down.'
Blair also warned Burnham over maintaining a strong relationship with the US 'whoever is president' because of the threat of an invasion to Europe from Russia, and cautioned against continuing with energy secretary Ed Miliband’s net zero policies. Candidates have until Wednesday next week to gather the required 81 Labour MPs’ backing to enter the race – but with Burnham now at 322 nominations, the contest already appears over. The question that remains is whether his promised 'circuit breaker' will survive the reality of Downing Street.
