Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting set to become Labour leader within hours – UK Times

Andy Burnham has won the support of hundreds of MPs as well as several key Labour-affiliated unions needed to become the Labour Party leader.

He secured the backing of 349 Labour MPs earlier this week, meaning it is impossible for any other candidate to gain the 81 endorsements needed to challenge for the Labour leadership.

The TSSA transport union, Aslef, Community, GMB, Unison, Fire Brigades Union, Unite and shopworkers’ union Usdaw have also endorsed him.

Andy Burnham is expected to take over as Labour leader on Friday as he moves within touching distance of the premiership.

Provided nobody challenges him, he will be crowned as the party’s leader at a special conference in London at around midday.

There will then be a limbo period over the weekend when Sir Keir Starmer will remain as prime minister, but will no longer be Party leader.

Mr Burnham will then be coronated as prime minister on Monday.