Andy Burnham becomes Labour leader before PM

17 Jul 2026

Andy Burnham named Labour leader, saying he will be a prime minister for the whole country, will be ‘pro-business’ and top team will reflect all parts of the party

After winning his overwhelming bye election victory in Makerfield, Andy Burnham was the overwhelming choice for Labour leader, which he has now become with overwhelming support, and will be the country’s new PM on Monday.

Burnham received 379 nominations with no opponents, and one candidate received one vote. He also had full support from trade unions with nominations from all 11 trade unions affiliated with Labour.

Your free features:

Breaking news and expert analysis
Customisable daily newsletters
Six free CPD learning modules each year
Personalised CPD tracker
Top 75 Firms league tables
Regulatory changes
Hardman’s Tax Data

Business | Keir Starmer resigns as St Pancras MP

Business | Mayors to get share of £27.6bn business rates income

Tax | Chancellor named as John Healey, Reynolds at business

Business | Andy Burnham becomes seventh PM in a decade

Tax | Miliband over Reeves for chancellor, say Labour members

Navigate

Tax Services

Your free features:

Sign up to Business & Accountancy Daily