Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The former Greater Manchester mayor received the backing of 322 of Labour's 403 MPs, leaving him just one nomination short of the threshold at which it becomes mathematically impossible for another candidate to enter the contest.
With no other declared candidates currently in the race, Burnham is expected to be declared Labour leader next week and take office as prime minister on 20 July.
Burnham's expected rise marks a dramatic return to the centre of national politics after he left Westminster in 2017 to become mayor of Greater Manchester.
His breakthrough came after winning the parliamentary by-election in Makerfield just weeks ago, following heavy Labour losses in May's local elections that increased pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to step down.
Starmer resigned as Labour leader on the same day Burnham was sworn in as an MP, saying he had reflected on whether he was the right person to lead the party into the next general election.
Burnham, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015, joked that it was "hopefully third time lucky" for his latest bid.
In a statement, Burnham said he was "deeply grateful" to Labour MPs who had nominated him, saying the support reflected a shared belief that Britain needed a new approach to politics.
"That is the circuit breaker I am offering: power out of Westminster, an economy rewired for ordinary people, and good growth in every postcode," Burnham said.
Candidates have until Wednesday next week to secure the support of at least 81 Labour MPs to enter the leadership contest. Burnham would also need the backing of at least three affiliated socialist societies or trade unions, although this is expected to be a formality.
If no rival candidate emerges, Burnham will become Labour leader without a vote among party members and affiliated supporters.
Burnham has already outlined some of his priorities for government, including plans to establish a new No.10 unit in Manchester aimed at giving local authorities more control over areas such as housing and transport.
A key part of his platform is a pledge to give communities across the UK "greater public control" over the water and energy sectors, although details of how this would work remain unclear.
He has also argued for stronger regional decision-making and an economy focused on spreading growth beyond Westminster and London.
The expected future prime minister has also said the UK should take a stronger position towards Israel over its actions in Gaza.
In an interview, Burnham criticised the Labour government's initial response under Starmer, saying the party "didn't get it right" and should have acted sooner.
"We've got to do more to put pressure on the Israeli government," Burnham said. "The UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire. And we must now do more to strengthen our approach."
Burnham said further measures should be considered, including additional sanctions on individuals involved in violence and restrictions on trade with illegal settlements.
Starmer initially resisted calls from some Labour figures, including Burnham, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, instead supporting a humanitarian pause before later calling for a ceasefire.
On national security, Burnham has said he intends to retain Starmer's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, a former adviser to Tony Blair.
He has also backed a "sustained increase" in defence spending while calling for greater transparency from the government over military procurement costs and delays.
Starmer's final decisions as prime minister included a plan to increase defence spending by £15 billion over four years, with details left for his successor to implement.
Burnham is expected to face questions from Labour MPs at official parliamentary hustings next week, where he will outline his plans for government.
Civil service discussions on his policy proposals are already under way, led by Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo.
Sir Keir Starmer has said Burnham would make a good prime minister, describing their long working relationship dating back to their time in Parliament.
If confirmed, Burnham will become Labour leader and prime minister without a leadership election, completing one of the most rapid returns to national office in recent British political history.
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