Let the Burnham coronation begin! Fawning Labour MPs set to rush to back incoming PM as nominations open - with last rival Al Carns pulling out after 'only getting three backers'

By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 07:56, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 07:57, 9 July 2026 Andy Burnham's 'coronation' is getting under way today as Labour leader nominations officially open. MPs are set to rush to show their loyalty to the incoming PM - after his last potential rival Al Carns threw in the towel. There is speculation that Mr Burnham could even be effectively confirmed in post by the end of the day, if he receives enough support to make another challenger mathematically impossible. However, there is still nervousness over a lack of clarity about the former Greater Manchester Mayor's plans.  He sent an email to Labour's 403 MPs overnight vowing a more collegiate approach and has written an article in the Times calling for defence cash to boost British industry.  But Mr Burnham has not fleshed out any tax or spending plans beyond a commitment to stick to the Labour manifesto and increase devolution.  Andy Burnham has not fleshed out any tax or spending plans beyond a commitment to stick to the Labour manifesto and increase devolution There is speculation that Mr Burnham could even be effectively confirmed as Keir Starmer's (pictured) successor by the end of the day, if he receives enough support to make another challenger mathematically impossible Ministers and MPs have been frantically jockeying for jobs in the new administration, with Ed Miliband hoping to be made Chancellor despite alarm in some quarters at his 'Soviet' views. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Deputy PM David Lammy and Attorney General Lord Hermer are all out and about today. Intriguingly, New Labour stalwart David Miliband is due to give a speech tonight, having been tipped for a shock comeback.  Prospective candidates need the backing of 81 MPs to put themselves forward to replace Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned last month after Mr Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. In the absence of any other contenders before nominations close on July 15, Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17 and is expected to then become prime minister on July 20. Former armed forces minister Mr Carns told Sky News last night: 'I'd hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate. 'But months of internal Labour politics isn't what the country needs right now. We've got to get on with the job. 'Andy Burnham's earned this and he's got my full backing.' However, allies of Mr Burnham have been briefing that Mr Carns has wrecked his chances of a ministerial job, with claims he only had three backers - including himself.   Mr Burnham's last potential rival Al Carns threw in the towel last night