ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The former Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham has been confirmed as leader of Britain’s Labour Party, clearing the way for him to become the United Kingdom’s next Prime Minister following the expected resignation of Keir Starmer on Monday.
Burnham was formally declared Labour leader on Friday at a special party conference in London by National Executive Committee (NEC) Chair Shabana Mahmood after emerging as the party’s sole leadership candidate.
Starmer is expected to tender his resignation to King Charles III, who will subsequently invite Burnham to form a new government and assume office as Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.
Burnham is expected to deliver his first address outside Downing Street shortly after taking office before announcing members of his new cabinet.
Nation reports that his emergence had been widely anticipated after securing the backing of 379 of Labour’s 403 Members of Parliament, alongside overwhelming support from trade unions and local party organisations.
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Announcing the result, Mahmood said: “There was only one nominated MP… hardly a nail-biter.”
In his acceptance speech, Burnham thanked Labour members for their confidence and pledged to restore public trust in government.
“We’re going to give them hope back. This is a proud moment you have given me and my family today, and an emotional one, but it is one for which I am ready,” he said.
The incoming Labour leader is expected to unveil his administration’s policy agenda in the coming weeks, with priorities expected to include tackling the cost-of-living crisis and driving the government’s domestic reform programme.