Andy Burnham, the leading favorite to succeed Keir Starmer as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, arrived in London to take his seat in Parliament for the first time, CNN reports.
He was greeted by a large crowd of journalists as he stepped off a train from Manchester, where he served as mayor for nearly a decade.
Burnham was sworn in as a Member of Parliament just days after winning a crucial by-election in Makerfield, in northwest England.
His arrival in London attracted significant media attention, including television helicopters that followed his train journey from Manchester to Euston Station and later tracked his taxi through the city to Westminster.
Several MPs jokingly teased Burnham as he entered Parliament, including one who shouted, “He’s not the Messiah.”
“Very naughty boy,” Burnham replied humorously, apparently referencing the famous line from the surreal comedy film Monty Python’s Life of Brian: “He’s not the Messiah, he’s a very naughty boy.”
Following his resignation, Keir Starmer said he would ask the Labour Party to establish a timetable for the leadership election process, with nominations opening on July 9 and continuing until Parliament breaks for its summer recess a week later.
So far, former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is the only candidate to have formally put himself forward to lead the United Kingdom. His potential rival, Wes Streeting, has also announced his support for Burnham.
Meanwhile, Trump ally Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, has called for a general election. Under British law, the governing Labour Party is not required to hold a general election until 2029, five years after the last national vote.
