Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, is being touted as a leading contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer if he resigns as Prime Minister. Burnham has previously indicated a willingness to challenge the current Labour leader, stating he doesn't know what the future holds regarding a leadership bid.
The Arduous Path to Downing Street
His path to becoming Prime Minister is arduous as he currently does not hold a seat in Parliament, which is a prerequisite for a Labour leadership contest. He would first need to secure a vacant parliamentary seat, win the selection process (after the National Executive Committee previously blocked him from standing in a by-election), and then win the by-election itself.
Step-by-Step Requirements
If elected as an MP, he would then need nominations from 20 per cent of Labour MPs and 5 per cent of constituency Labour Parties or three affiliates to formally stand for the leadership. In full, the steps are:
- Secure a vacant parliamentary seat – identify a constituency where a by-election is imminent or a sitting MP is stepping down.
- Win the selection process – overcome any party obstacles, such as the NEC's previous block.
- Win the by-election – campaign and secure the seat in a public vote.
- Obtain necessary nominations – gather support from 20% of Labour MPs and either 5% of constituency Labour Parties or three affiliated trade unions or socialist societies.
- Win the leadership contest – compete in a vote among party members and affiliates.
Only after completing these steps could Burnham realistically aim to become Prime Minister. The process is lengthy and fraught with political hurdles, but his supporters believe he has the experience and popularity to succeed.
