Andy Burnham has been sworn in as an MP as he confirms he will stand for Labour leader
During the ceremony a Tory MP shouted “he is not the messiah”
His coronation as Labour leader appears certain as earlier today Wes Streeting backed Andy Burnham for Labour leader.
The former health secretary has confirmed that he will not run against Burnham for the party leadership.
If there are no challenges Andy Burnham could be in Downing Street by the 17th July
Nominations open on the 9th July Candidates have the opportunity to try to get the 81 MPs and 5% of CLPs/ 3 affiliates needed to stand
Nominations close on the 16th July the last day before recess. This means there is time for a potential contest over the Summer with a new leader in place on September 1, ahead of Labour conference
Bur if there is no challenge – which is quite possible given the number of MPs needed and the level of support he commands among backbenchers – then Burnham will be in Number 10 on July 17/18th
In a letter released this morning Streeting said
‘Having spoken at length to Andy in recent days I’m convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions; and that he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism
‘We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy too.”
