Andy Burnham has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister, with bookmakers slashing odds to 1/100 after his official leadership bid announcement on Monday afternoon. A one-pound bet on Burnham now returns just a penny, according to Ladbrokes, underscoring his status as the clear frontrunner.
Wes Streeting Withdraws from Race
Former health secretary Wes Streeting confirmed he will not stand for the leadership, removing the only candidate previously seen as having a realistic chance of beating Burnham. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “No one is going to stand in Andy Burnham’s way, if the latest odds are anything to go by.”
Current Betting Odds for Next Labour Leader
- Andy Burnham: 1/100
- Al Carns: 40/1
- Wes Streeting: 50/1
- Yvette Cooper: 66/1
- 100/1 bar
Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, announced his bid on Monday afternoon, triggering a rapid shift in betting markets.
Speculation Over Future Chancellor
Attention is now turning to who Burnham might appoint as Chancellor if he becomes Prime Minister. According to Oddschecker, Wes Streeting is the favourite at 4/6, with his odds slashed from 6/1 over the weekend. Ed Miliband follows at 7/4, with 26% of bets backing Streeting for the role.
Oddschecker spokesman Chris Rogers said: “As Keir Starmer’s turbulent spell as PM comes to an end, Andy Burnham prepares to take on the role. Speculation is rife over whom Burnham will choose as Chancellor. Wes Streeting is the 4/6 favourite with his odds slashed from 6/1 over the weekend. Ed Miliband is set to rival Streeting at 7/4. Punters have rallied behind the former Secretary of State for Health with over a quarter (26%) of bets expecting Streeting to get the gig.”
Oddschecker - Next Chancellor
- Wes Streeting: 4/6
- Ed Miliband: 7/4
- Yvette Cooper: 6/1
- Shabana Mahmood: 7/1
- Pat McFadden: 10/1
- Jonathan Reynolds: 14/1
- Darren Jones: 16/1
- Torsten Bell: 25/1
Burnham's ascension follows Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister, which shocked many observers. The Labour leadership contest is now expected to be a formality, with Burnham poised to take the helm.
