Union backing to seal Labour leadership for Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham’s path to the Labour leadership has been secured, after he won the required support from trade unions linked to the party.

So far 349 of the party’s MPs have nominated the former Greater Manchester mayor, making it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him.

Now eight of the 11 unions affiliated to Labour have said they will nominate him, paving the way for him to be crowned leader without a party vote over the summer.

Burnham is set to be unveiled as Sir Keir Starmer’s successor as Labour leader on Friday, before entering Downing Street three days later.

Although he had already cemented his status as sole candidate, party rules require him to also secure the endorsement of at least three of the 31 socialist societies and trade unions affiliated to Labour, including at least two unions.

The window during which nominations can officially be submitted will open this evening and run for 24 hours.

But in advance of the nomination period opening, a majority of Labour’s affiliated unions have confirmed they will be backing him.

The TSSA transport union confirmed it would be nominating him earlier, joining ASLEF, Community, GMB and Unison, who made announcements on Tuesday.

The Fire Brigades Union, Unite and shopworkers’ union Usdaw had all previously confirmed they would be endorsing him.