Makerfield MP Andy Burnham is likely to become the next Labour Party leader and UK prime minister.

With 349 MPs, out of around 403, nominating Burnham for leadership, it has become impossible for any other leadership contender to challenge him, effectively guaranteeing his coronation.

The number of Labour MPs nominating Burnham for leadership increased by 27 this week to reach 349.

A candidate needs only 81 nominations to stand in the leadership contest. However, the Makerfield MP will still need the backing of three affiliated organizations and trade unions.

He is expected to become Labour leader on Friday at a special party conference, and take over as prime minister on Monday, British media reported.

His rise comes after Keir Starmer stepped down last month following sustained pressure from party leaders and cabinet members to stand down. Burnham’s return to Parliament in June 2026 was ensured after he won the Makerfield by-election in June.

However, Burnham’s ascent really started after the UK’s local election results triggered a state of panic inside the Labour Party. It prompted discussions among party members over whether Keir Starmer remains the right figure to lead the party after a bruising electoral setback. In the May local elections, Labour lost 1,229 seats while Reform UK gained 1,372.

Within those discussions, Burnham was rumored to be organizing a leadership challenge. The ex-mayor of Greater Manchester had a left-populist edge and a more flexible, working-class-oriented agenda. A central consideration was that Burnham would likely carry the North, shoring up recent Labour losses there.