Andy Burnham is set to become the UK’s next Prime Minister—though not immediately.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester, who now serves as an MP for Makerfield, has been seen as the favourite for the role ever since Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister in June.
The 56-year-old is expected to gain over 323 nominations from other Labour MPs, making it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him.
Here's why Andy Burnham is likely to become Prime Minister and when he will take up the position.
Why is Andy Burnham expected to become Prime Minister?
At the start of the Labour leadership contest, candidates need 20% of the party's MPs to nominate them.
There are 403 Labour MPs, meaning the support of 81 is needed, BBC News reports.
MPs had between Thursday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 15 to secure these nominations.
No other candidate has so far emerged to challenge Burnham, with the former health secretary Wes Streeting having been seen as most likely to do so.
Once Burnham reaches 323 nominations, it would be mathematically impossible for a rival to reach the 81-MP threshold needed to run against him.
This is how I would support young people across the UK. pic.twitter.com/mi2crgV3hU
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 9, 2026
When will Andy Burnham become Prime Minister?
Although Burnham will be declared Labour leader on Friday, July 17, he will not officially become prime minister until Monday, July 20.
That's because Sir Keir Starmer needs to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
The King then invites Burnham to form a new government.
As the leadership declaration would take place on a Friday, this official handover doesn't happen until the next working day on a Monday.
Will Andy Burnham call a general election?
Burnham has previously said he wouldn't call a general election should he become Prime Minister.
Taking part in an online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit , one user asked whether he would call an election.
Burnham replied: "No. As I said in my speech on Monday, I'm going to work to the 2024 manifesto."
As the first day of nominations draws to a close, I am deeply grateful to the 322 Labour MPs who have put their trust in me and nominated me for Leader of the Labour Party.
Their support comes from across the PLP and reflects a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to…— Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 9, 2026
The last general election was held on July 4, 2024, with Labour winning a landslide majority, meaning the next election must legally be held by August 2029,
However, a Prime Minister can choose to call one at any point before this.
A Prime Minister calling an early election depends on a number of factors.
This includes how the party is performing in the polls, and whether the Prime Minister wants to seek a new mandate from the electorate to set out his own agenda in government.
So while Burnham has ruled out an immediate election, there may still be one before the end of 2029.
What are your thoughts on Andy Burnham likely becoming the next Prime Minister? Let us know in the comments.
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