Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour leader and set to become UK prime minister

LONDON: Andy Burnham was formally declared leader of Britain’s ruling Labour Party on Friday, putting the veteran politician in line to become the country’s next prime minister after Keir Starmer’s resignation last month.

At a special party conference, interior minister Shabana Mahmood announced Burnham’s election, saying there was no rival candidate in the contest. "There being no other eligibly nominated candidate, it is therefore my honour to declare that the duly elected leader of the Labour Party is Andy Burnham"

Burnham takes over after Starmer stepped down as premier following months of political turmoil, scandal and policy mistakes. Labour still holds a commanding majority in parliament after the 2024 election, meaning the party’s leader is expected to assume the premiership.

Speaking in London after his confirmation, Burnham said he had yet to settle on the makeup of his senior team. "I haven’t made any decisions yet about who will be in that top team. But I will soon, and when I have, you will see it reflects all parts of our party, all communities"