Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting on the cusp of Labour leadership as 322 MPs back him

Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting on the cusp of Labour leadership as 322 MPs back him New Makerfield MP says he is ‘deeply grateful’ for their support after apologising for predecessor’s stance on Gaza - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham has secured the support of 322 Labour MPs, leaving him on the cusp of leading the party and country. There are just over 400 Labour MPs, and Mr Burnham remains the only candidate after nominations opened. He said he was “deeply grateful” for their backing and commitment to his vision. Earlier, the UK’s likely next prime minister apologised for Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on Gaza, and backed further sanctions against Israeli figures. Mr Burnham said: “I know many people feel that at the start of Israel’s military action in Gaza, my party didn’t get it right and I am sorry about that. “The response has too often not been good enough. We need to do better.” He said: “Let’s be honest, the UK was too slow to call for a ceasefire and we must now do more to strengthen our approach.” He added that action would include “looking at further sanctions, both on those involved in the violence in Gaza, but also looking at measures to ban trade in goods with illegal settlements”. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent DWP hopes to save £1bn with disability car scheme reforms Ministers hope to save some £1 billion by 2030 through reforms to a scheme that helps disabled people to get cars. The Motability scheme came under scrutiny last year as luxury brand vehicles such as BMWs and Mercedes were reportedly available through it. Chancellor Rachel Reeves removed them from Motability at the Budget and now further measures set out in the autumn are coming into force. Motability customers who make one-off advance payments for larger and more expensive cars will have to pay VAT and all new leases will now be covered by the insurance premium tax. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today’s changes are driven by the fairness that underpins this Government – fairness for the taxpayer, fairness for disabled people and fairness for the country. “We’re saving £1 billion of taxpayer money by removing VAT relief from some new Motability leases whilst ensuring the scheme still supports disabled people’s mobility and independence. “We’re building a fair welfare system and an economy that works for everyone.” Robert Jenrick faces police probe over donation to Tory leadership campaign Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into a political donation of almost £40,000 made to Robert Jenrick’s campaign for the Conservative Party leadership. The Newark MP, who unsuccessfully sought to succeed Rishi Sunak as Tory leader in 2024, has since joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, where he serves as Treasury spokesman. The probe into the donation's origins follows a referral from the Electoral Commission, The i Paper reported. Robert Jenrick faces police probe over donation to Tory leadership campaign Watch: What do Nigel Farage’s Clacton constituents think about his resignation? Reform faces questions over donation probe, says Labour Labour has accused Reform UK of taking the public “for fools” amid further questions about the party’s financial affairs. Anna Turley, the Labour chairwoman, said there were legitimate questions for Reform leader Nigel Farage following reports in The Times that the Metropolitan Police have been investigating £500,000 donations to Reform UK for more than a year. According to the newspaper, officers opened an inquiry into possible offences related to evading restrictions on donations at the 2024 election, either through concealing donations from an “impermissible” donor or using false information about a donation. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the force had opened an inquiry in February last year following a referral by the Electoral Commission “relating to donations made to a political party ahead of the 2024 UK general election”. The spokesperson said two people had so far been interviewed under caution and “early investigative advice” had been sought from the Crown Prosecution Service, but no arrests had been made. Watch: Rupert Lowe incorrectly claims there was just 'one murder' during Dunblane massacre What could Andy Burnham as prime minister mean for your mortgages and house prices? Before the end of July, Andy Burnham is set to take on the role of prime minister, following Keir Starmer’s resignation. The former Greater Manchester mayor has built a reputation as one of Labour's most interventionist voices on housing, championing social housebuilding, tenant protections and regional investment. But what would a Burnham premiership actually mean for homeowners, buyers or landlords? While many of the details remain unclear, housing experts say there are several areas likely to come under scrutiny, with mortgages and the wider housing market of particular focus. What could Andy Burnham as prime minister mean for your mortgages and house prices? Home secretary does not nominate Burnham A total of 18 of Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet have put their names behind Mr Burnham, including Energy and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds and the staunchly loyal Chief Secretary Darren Jones. Also among those who nominated the Makerfield MP were previously rumoured leadership hopefuls Wes Streeting and Al Carns, as well as previous cabinet ministers Angela Rayner and John Healey. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Housing Secretary Steve Reed are the two most prominent Cabinet ministers not to have nominated Mr Burnham but they still have time to do so. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Dame Emily Thornberry, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs select committee, also nominated Mr Burnham. Ask John Rentoul anything: What is really going on with Farage’s Clacton by-election? As Nigel Farage accuses his opponents of ‘running away’ from an election, and the main parties say his attempt to distract from scrutiny of his finances has descended into farce, chief political commentator John Rentoul is here to answer your questions on a contest that’s dividing Westminster: John Rentoul Q&A: What is really going on with Farage’s Clacton by-election? Pakistan refuses to take back grooming gang ringleader The UK and Pakistan are at loggerheads over attempts to deport the ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang, after it emerged that Islamabad is refusing to accept him back. Shabir Ahmed – who served 14 years in jail for multiple rapes and sexual abuse against young girls – was released from prison last week and the Home Office is now attempting to amend the law to allow him to be deported. However, a diplomatic row is brewing as Pakistan is understood to be refusing to accept Ahmed and is demanding the extradition of two political dissidents from the UK in order to do so. Pakistan refuses to take back grooming gang ringleader Burnham 'deeply grateful to the 322 Labour MPs' Andy Burnham says he is “deeply grateful” for the backing of hundreds of Labour MPs today, who he claims share his belief that “Britain needs a new approach to politics”. He said he wanted to “empower MPs to bring the experiences of their constituents into the heart of government, and harness the full breadth of our Labour movement, drawing on all its traditions and beliefs in pursuit of a common purpose.” As the first day of nominations draws to a close, I am deeply grateful to the 322 Labour MPs who have put their trust in me and nominated me for Leader of the Labour Party. — Andy Burnham (@andyburnham) July 9, 2026 Their support comes from across the PLP and reflects a shared belief that Britain needs a new approach to… Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments