Andy Burnham is set to become the next leader of the Labour Party, as the nomination period for candidates opened on Thursday without any other contenders emerging.
Labour MPs can formally endorse candidates from 9:00 AM BST. An initial tally of nominations is expected around 7:00 PM BST. Without any other candidates entering the race, Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, would be declared leader at a party event scheduled for the end of next week.
Burnham would then be positioned to become Prime Minister on July 20, a few weeks after his return to Parliament in a by-election for Makerfield. Former defense minister Al Carns, who had previously indicated he might run, withdrew his potential candidacy on Wednesday evening, clearing the path for Burnham.
Several potential rivals, including Wes Streeting, have already announced their support for Burnham's bid.
To qualify for the leadership contest, candidates must secure nominations from 81 Labour MPs. Additionally, they need endorsements from either 32 of Labour's 634 local branches or three of the 31 affiliated socialist societies and trade unions, with at least two of those being unions.
Candidates have until next Wednesday to gather the required nominations from Labour MPs. However, an early indication of support could emerge later today if Burnham secures 323 nominations, which would make it mathematically impossible for any rival to meet the 81-MP threshold required to stand against him.
If Burnham secures enough nominations to run unopposed, he would assume leadership without a vote from Labour members or affiliated trade union supporters. The timeline indicates that nominations close on July 16, coinciding with the start of Parliament's summer recess. Labour is required to have a leader in place by September 1 when Parliament reconvenes.