Andy Burnham has been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield, receiving loud cheers from Labour colleagues in the House of Commons, as he confirmed his intention to contest the party’s leadership.
His swearing-in came hours after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as both Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, triggering a leadership race.
Burnham, a former Mayor of Greater Manchester, secured the Makerfield seat in a by-election last week with a margin of 9,000 votes, defeating a candidate from Reform UK. The by-election followed the resignation of Labour’s Josh Simons, who stepped down to allow Burnham contest the seat.
During the brief ceremony in the Commons, Burnham acknowledged colleagues with smiles and nods. The moment was punctuated by light-hearted heckling from Conservative MP Sir Desmond Swayne, who remarked, “Rome is saved,” while another voice joked, “he’s not the messiah.” In response, Burnham quipped, “Naughty boy,” referencing Monty Python’s *Life of Brian*.
Earlier, Burnham formally announced his leadership ambition in a post on X, praising Starmer’s service and calling for a smooth and responsible transition.
“I will put myself forward as part of this process,” he said, adding that the country requires “stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most.”
He emphasised priorities including economic growth, the cost of living, public services, housing, and opportunities for younger generations, noting that political developments should not distract from improving citizens’ lives.
Burnham also called for unity within the Labour Party, stating that the movement is strongest when it moves forward with “confidence and purpose.”
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly backed Burnham’s leadership bid, having resigned from government last month over concerns about Starmer’s leadership.
Before travelling to London, Burnham bid an emotional farewell to staff at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where he served as mayor. He was presented with a Manchester-themed armchair featuring the city’s iconic bee symbol and skyline, along with 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.”
