How the path was cleared for Andy Burnham become the next prime minister unopposed

Politics
9 Jul 2026 • 5:39 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

How the path was cleared for Andy Burnham become the next prime minister unopposed

  • Andy Burnham is poised to become the new leader of the Labour Party, as he is currently the only declared candidate ahead of the nomination period opening on Thursday.
  • Al Carns, who was considered a potential challenger, withdrew from the leadership race on Wednesday evening, stating that Burnham had earned the position and pledging his full support.
  • With no other candidates, Mr Burnham is expected to be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on 17 July and subsequently become prime minister on 20 July.
  • Despite being the sole candidate, the Makerfield MP will still participate in an online hustings with Labour MPs on Monday evening.
  • Mr Burnham has outlined his foreign policy commitments, including maintaining stability, supporting Nato, the nuclear deterrent, close ties with the US, support for Ukraine, and strengthening relations with the EU, while also pledging transparency on defence spending.

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