Andy Burnham named Labour Party leader

Andy Burnham has officially been named as the Labour Party’s new leader.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester said he is ready to “beat Britain’s new right”.  

Burnham won overwhelming support from MPs, trade unions and party branches, making him the only candidate to succeed Keir Starmer.

At a special party conference at TUC headquarters in London, he told party members that he “will work to build a new politics”, saying that “the country is crying out for it”.

However, he warned that this is Labour’s “last chance to change” and it must do it together.

Burnham said: “This is a proud moment you have given me and my family, and an emotional one.”

“It is one for which I am ready – ready to lead and to build on the foundation laid by one person more than any other. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership we went from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in history.”

He paid tribute to the outgoing prime minister but questioned whether the party had been “good enough”, telling members, “I have a plan” and pledging to “do better”.

Burnham added: “First, I will work relentlessly to build a culture of one Labour team, because change starts with us.

“We won’t beat Britain’s new right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions. That is an indulgence.”

Burnham is expected to become prime minister on Monday and will give a speech outside No 10 and name his Cabinet in the afternoon.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar congratulated Burnham on becoming Labour Party leader, saying it comes at an “important time for our movement and our country”.  

Sarwar said: “I’ve known Andy Burnham for many years and I know he will bring extensive experience, new energy and new ideas to the role of leader.  

“Andy is passionate about winning the support of the people of every part of the UK and understands that devolution means empowering people and communities so that we can improve lives – not just transferring power between parliaments.  

“As Andy said today, we are ready to give hope back to the people of the UK and put power back in the hands of working people.  

“Our movement must win back the trust of working people and face down the poison of Reform – I know Andy Burnham will work day and night to do this and to deliver for the people of the United Kingdom.  

“I look forward to working closely with Andy to change our country for the better and to make life better for working people.”

First Minister John Swinney also congratulated Burnham, and said he intends to do “everything I can to build a constructive relationship with him in order to improve the lives of people in Scotland”.  

He said: “The UK faces serious challenges on a number of fronts. Flatlining living standards, weak economic growth and years of austerity have left households, public services and businesses struggling – made worse by the revolving door at 10 Downing Street and bad decisions taken by Westminster against Scotland's wishes.

“If Andy Burnham is serious about a genuinely new approach that can properly address these challenges, he will find in me and the SNP a willing partner. But that relationship must be based on a recognition that the political landscape across the UK is changing, and that Westminster does not have the right to dictate Scotland’s future.
“I look forward to speaking with the next prime minister in the coming days.”