Nominations have opened for the Labour Party’s leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, with multiple outlets reporting that former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is the frontrunner and is likely to be the only declared candidate. Reports say Burnham begins collecting nominations from Labour lawmakers and needs at least 80 signatures to stand. Several sources note he is expected to exceed that threshold. Others who were viewed as possible contenders have ruled themselves out or confirmed they will not challenge him, leaving Burnham with an unchallenged path.
One outlet describes a process in which nominations are sought among Labour MPs, with nominations open until mid-July. Sources also state that the party is expected to announce a new Labour leader shortly after nominations close, followed by the formal step required for the prime minister role after a meeting with King Charles III. Coverage also includes discussion of how the contest works and the likelihood that Burnham could assume leadership quickly if no rival emerges.
