Union backing to seal Labour leadership for Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham has secured enough support from trade unions and MPs to become the next leader of the UK Labour Party. He is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, though some unions have attached conditional demands regarding wealth taxes and net-zero policies to their support.
Why it matters
The leadership change in the UK's major opposition party will significantly influence future national policy and political discourse.
Image source, Getty Images By Paul Seddon Political reporter Published 15 July 2026 Andy Burnham's path to the Labour leadership has been secured, after he won the required support from trade unions linked to the party.
A total of 379 of the party's MPs have nominated the former Greater Manchester mayor, making it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him.
Now eight of the 11 unions affiliated to Labour have said they will nominate him, paving the way for him to be crowned leader without a party vote over the summer.
Burnham is set to be unveiled as Sir Keir Starmer's successor as Labour leader on Friday, before entering Downing Street three days later.
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