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Andy Burnham is on course to become Labour’s new leader, with no other candidate running against him. <\/b><\/p>\n
Labour MPs have begun formally endorsing contenders to replace Sir Keir Starmer, with an initial total to be published by the party at around 19.00 BST.<\/p>\n
Without other candidates joining the former Greater Manchester mayor in the race, Burnham will be declared leader at a party event at the end of next week.<\/p>\n
He would then become prime minister on 20 July, just weeks after returning to Parliament after a decade’s absence in a by-election in Makerfield.<\/p>\n
Candidates have until Wednesday next week to gather the required backing of 81 Labour MPs in order to take part in the leadership race.<\/p>\n
But an initial running total later, expected around 19.00 BST, will reveal the current state of support among Labour MPs for Burnham’s bid for power.<\/p>\n
If he manages to secure 323 nominations, it will be mathematically impossible for a rival to reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against him. <\/p>\n
He would also need to garner nominations next week from at least three of the 31 socialist societies and trade unions affiliated to the party, although this is expected to be a formality for him.<\/p>\n
Burnham would then become Labour leader and be propelled into Downing Street without the need for a vote over the summer among party members and affiliated trade union supporters.<\/p>\n
A few dozen MPs have posted on social media to confirm they are nominating the former mayor.<\/p>\n
This includes Burnham himself, who joked that it would be “hopefully third time lucky” for him, referring to his two previous failed bids for the leadership in 2010 and 2015. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n