Andy Burnham announces he voted for himself in Labour leadership contest...as the only candidate

Andy Burnham has cast a vote for himself in the Labour leadership race, a contest in which he stands as the sole contender.

The former Greater Manchester mayor announced on social media that he had put his own name forward to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, with the nomination window now officially open.

Sir Keir offered his backing to Mr Burnham when asked if he would prove an effective leader of the country.

He said: "I have known him a long time, I've worked with him when I first came to Parliament, in his team directly."

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With no challengers emerging, the Makerfield MP appears destined for what amounts to a coronation, with expectations he will enter Downing Street as the eighth Labour leader to become Prime Minister on July 20.

Sir Keir highlighted their extensive professional history together, pointing to their joint work on the Investigatory Powers Bill during Mr Burnham's tenure as shadow home secretary in 2015.

Speaking about the legislation, Sir Keir said: "Really important in terms of the powers and capabilities that our security and intelligence services need."

Their partnership on Northern Powerhouse Rail since 2024 was described by Sir Keir as "an example of devolution at its best".

The outgoing leader also referenced last year's attack on the Heaton Park synagogue, revealing that Mr Burnham was his first call when the incident occurred.

"When I went to Manchester, I spent the whole time with him, with the community and with others. So, I've always worked very well with Andy," the Prime Minister added.

Throughout Thursday morning, a steady stream of Labour MPs made their way to the Parliamentary Labour Party offices in Westminster to register their support.

Barry Gardiner, representing Brent West, and Andy McDonald from Middlesbrough and Thornaby East were reportedly among the earliest to submit their nominations.

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Under Labour Party laws, in order to secure a place on the ballot, candidates require endorsements from 81 MPs, with self-nominations permitted.

Should Mr Burnham accumulate more than 321 backers, it would become mathematically impossible for any rival to gather sufficient support, given the 403 Labour MPs in Parliament and the convention that the sitting leader abstains.

One MP departing the PLP offices remarked that "no-one else" appeared likely to mount a challenge.

Some colleagues reportedly joked about nominating Count Binface, the satirical candidate currently contesting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election.

Mr Burnham has outlined his foreign policy priorities ahead of his expected elevation to the premiership.

Writing in The Times before nominations opened, he pledged continuity on key security matters, including maintaining Britain's commitment to Nato and the nuclear deterrent.

The likely incoming Prime Minister also emphasised his intention to preserve strong transatlantic relations, continue backing Ukraine, and further strengthen ties with the European Union.

Sir Keir's national security adviser Jonathan Powell will remain in post under a Burnham government, he confirmed.

On defence expenditure, Mr Burnham indicated the increased funding outlined in the current administration's investment plan should prioritise British industry and attract foreign investment.

Mr Burnham has also addressed Labour's handling of the Gaza conflict, acknowledging the party's initial response fell short.

"I know many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza my party didn't get it right and I am sorry about that," he told the Guardian. "The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better."

He pledged to intensify pressure on the Israeli Government through additional sanctions and potentially prohibiting trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank.

"Let's be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach," Mr Burnham said.

However, he declined to characterise events in Gaza as genocide, stating that such determinations should rest with international courts rather than politicians.

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