Andy Burnham to become PM after rival withdraws

Andy Burnham is poised to become Britain's next prime minister after the last potential challenger for the Labour leadership withdrew, setting the stage for his uncontested ascent. Nominations for the contest opened on Thursday, July 9, and with former Defence Minister Al Carns announcing his support, Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader on July 17 and meet King Charles III to assume the premiership on July 20.

Carns, who had considered a run, stated that a protracted leadership battle was not what the country needed. He said Burnham had earned the position and pledged his full backing, urging the party to unite behind him. This follows the earlier decision by Darren Jones, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to also step aside. The path was cleared for Burnham after he returned to Parliament by winning the Makerfield by-election in June.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is promising sweeping domestic change, vowing to end what he calls "trickle-down economics" and neoliberalism. His agenda, dubbed "Manchesterism," focuses on leveraging public and private investment in transport, housing, and infrastructure to address low economic growth...