By Oluwakemi Kindness
Andy Burnham has moved closer to becoming the next leader of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party after receiving nominations from the overwhelming majority of Labour MPs.
Burnham’s leadership bid has secured the backing of 322 out of 403 Labour MPs, leaving him just one nomination short of the number needed to make it impossible for another candidate to enter the contest.
The former Greater Manchester mayor remains the only declared candidate, and several MPs who were unable to vote on Thursday are expected to support him when Parliament resumes.
If no challenger emerges, Burnham is expected to be declared Labour leader next week and could become Prime Minister on July 20.
The development follows a rapid political comeback for Burnham, who returned to Parliament after winning a by-election in Makerfield just weeks ago.
Reacting to the nominations, Burnham said he was grateful for the support and described it as a sign of a shared desire for a new direction in British politics.
He said his leadership vision would focus on moving power away from Westminster, reshaping the economy to benefit ordinary citizens and promoting growth across communities.
Burnham also made a light-hearted political remark during an appearance at the Silver Clef music awards in London, where he joked about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s decision to contest a by-election in his Clacton constituency.
He praised comedian candidate Count Binface, who is running in the election, saying he carried “the hopes of the nation” in the contest.
