Former Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield, hours after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.Burnham’s swearing-in at the House of Commons on Monday was greeted with loud cheers from Labour MPs, as he formally returned to Westminster and confirmed his intention to contest the Labour leadership.
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His return came after he won the Makerfield by-election last week with a margin of about 9,000 votes, defeating a Reform UK candidate. The by-election followed the resignation of Labour’s Josh Simons, who stepped down to allow Burnham contest the seat.
During the brief swearing-in ceremony, Burnham acknowledged colleagues with smiles and nods as Labour MPs applauded. The moment also drew light-hearted heckling from Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne, who remarked, “Rome is saved,” while another voice joked, “he’s not the messiah.”
Burnham responded with the words, “Naughty boy,” in an apparent reference to Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Earlier, Burnham formally announced his leadership ambition in a post on X, where he praised Starmer’s service and called for a smooth and responsible transition.
“I will put myself forward as part of this process,” he said.
He added that the country needed “stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most.”
Burnham listed economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for younger generations as key priorities, saying political developments must not distract leaders from improving citizens’ lives.
He also called for unity within the Labour Party, saying the movement is strongest when it moves forward with “confidence and purpose.”
Starmer had earlier announced his resignation outside 10 Downing Street, saying he would step down as Labour leader and remain as caretaker Prime Minister until a successor is chosen.
The Labour leadership process is expected to begin in July and conclude before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September.
Burnham’s leadership bid has already received a major boost after former Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, publicly endorsed him. Streeting resigned from government last month amid concerns over Starmer’s leadership.
Before travelling to London, Burnham bid an emotional farewell to staff of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where he served as mayor.
He was presented with a Manchester-themed armchair bearing the city’s iconic bee symbol, skyline and the inscription, “we do things differently here.”
Addressing staff, Burnham described serving as mayor as the “privilege” of his life and thanked them “from the bottom of his heart.”
His swearing-in marks a major step in his bid to succeed Starmer and potentially become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
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