Andy Burnham to be crowned Labour leader on Friday after securing union backing
Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham is set to become the Labour leader on Friday after he was backed by trade unions linked to the party.
The former Greater Manchester mayor’s premiership has already been confirmed after he received the backing of 369 of the party’s 403 MPs, making it mathematically impossible for a rival to enter the contest.
Under Labour rules, candidates need the backing of 81 MPs to stand in a contest, meaning Mr Burnham is set for a coronation.
He has also won the support of eight of the 11 unions affiliated with the party.
The Makerfield MP is expected to be named Labour leader on Friday, before officially becoming prime minister on Monday.
The TSSA transport union, Aslef, Community, GMB, Unison, Fire Brigades Union, Unite and shopworkers’ union Usdaw have endorsed him.
TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Andy Burnham has shown he understands the challenges facing working people and their communities.
“His successful campaign in Makerfield proved that a positive message of hope can defeat the divisive politics of Reform.
“We believe Andy can unite the party and the country around real change – tackling the cost-of-living crisis, strengthening the New Deal for working people and investing in public services, including our publicly owned railway.”
Elsewhere, a think tank for the north of England urged the incoming prime minister to move fast on his devolution plans.
The Institute for Public Policy Research North (IPPR North) said leaving large gaps in devolved regions risks creating a “two-tier England”.
Researcher Dr Ryan Swift said: “We know the incoming PM has signalled his ambition for devolution in England, but we must move beyond incrementalism, or his efforts could be in vain.
“If the new government is serious about delivering economic growth, tackling regional inequalities, and rebuilding trust in politics we can’t continue as we are.
“Gradual change won’t cut it any more, this is the time to move quickly and with purpose.
“That means giving regions not just more responsibilities, but powers, resources, and democratic legitimacy to make a real difference in places all across the country.”
Mr Burnham declined to rule out introducing a wealth tax on Wednesday and suggested the Government “might be having to ask for a little more” at some point to balance Britain’s books.
He said he needed time to look at the state of the public finances before committing to policy changes but argued a “greater sense of fairness” was needed.
Mr Burnham also indicated he would be willing to disagree with US President Donald Trump, promising to be “very upfront” while “respecting the office” as he faced questions about his approach to a strained transatlantic relationship.
On the prospect of a tax rise for the “super rich”, he told Gary Lineker for Goalhanger: “I’m not going to rule things out right now.
“I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness and people feeling that things are being done in the right way and a fair way.
“But at the same time, you know, I don’t want to sort of be perceived as somebody who’s coming in with grudges and agendas and, you know, going to just immediately find or demonise one group or create a new way of dividing people.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to give his “wholehearted support” to Mr Burnham as he made his final appearance at the despatch box in the House of Commons.
Asked whether he had any advice for Mr Burnham, Sir Keir said: “I will give my wholehearted support to my successor.
“I want this Labour Government to be a success. I want our country to be a success. I shall give my support privately if asked for, not publicly when not asked for.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub