Burnham allies confident of No 10 ‘coronation’ after surge in backers

Andy Burnham speaks to supporters in Makerfield after his victory in the byelection. Photograph: Jon Super/AP View image in fullscreen Andy Burnham speaks to supporters in Makerfield after his victory in the byelection. Photograph: Jon Super/AP Burnham allies confident of No 10 ‘coronation’ after surge in backers Some Labour MPs still want former mayor to face the ‘scrutiny’ of ideas through a contested leadership contest UK politics live – latest updates Allies of Andy Burnham are increasingly confident of a coronation-style transfer of power after the number of MPs backing his planned leadership bid surged following his byelection victory. Burnham and his team are understood to have spent the last few days enlisting the support of MPs and ministers, as he prepares to challenge Keir Starmer in the coming weeks. It was reported on Friday that, after his triumph in the Makerfield byelection, where he comfortably saw off the threat of Reform UK, Burnham’s team were hoping for 200 nominations , about half of the parliamentary party. However, one minister said that figure was now “in the dust”, while another added that it was “logical” that the number of backers would be closer to 300, which could complicate a challenge from Wes Streeting . The former Greater Manchester mayor is hoping to have enough support to dislodge Starmer from Downing Street without the need for a lengthy leadership contest. However, an uncontested takeover is not favoured by all MPs, some of whom want the new Makerfield MP to face the “scrutiny” of his ideas being “put through the ringer” in a leadership contest. Streeting and Burnham are expected to speak this weekend but sources close to the former health secretary insisted he also had the numbers to challenge Starmer and remained determined to do so, although they added that Streeting would not trigger a contest this weekend in order to allow the prime minister to “reflect on his position”. Labour party rules mean that potential leadership candidates must secure nominations from at least 20% of the parliamentary party in order to force a contest. The party has 403 MPs, meaning potential challengers would need the support of 81 to stand. They would also require the backing of 5% of local branches, and at least three party affiliated groups, of which a minimum of two must be trade unions. Members would then vote for their preferred candidate, if more than one MP meets the criteria to stand. Starmer, as leader, does not have to meet these requirements and would be on the ballot automatically unless he chooses to stand down. The prime minister has said that he will fight any potential leadership contest, which could take months. However, previously loyal cabinet ministers warned the PM on Friday that he faced the indignity of being forced out of office by a string of damaging resignations if he did not set out a timetable for his departure. Burnham secured a 9,000 majority in Thursday’s Makerfield poll, little more than a month