Andy Burnham Nears Labour Leadership With 324 MP Backers, Set for Next Week
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Andy Burnham Nears Labour Leadership With 324 MP Backers, Set for Next Week
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 10
Summary
322 Labour MPs have already nominated Andy Burnham, and backing confirmed by Steve Reed and Mike Tapp on Monday is expected to push him over the threshold for formal confirmation as leader next week.
Lisa Nandy said Burnham would make Labour "faster and bolder," arguing no leadership contest is needed and backing his plan for a "No 10 North" in Manchester to shift power away from London.
20 July is the date Burnham is expected to be appointed prime minister by the King, after returning to Parliament in a by-election less than a month ago from his former role as Greater Manchester mayor.
Opposition parties are already pressing him on policy gaps, with Conservatives citing a £5 billion defence shortfall, Liberal Democrats warning his devolution agenda is too city-focused, and Greens demanding rent controls.