Burnham Set to Become UK Prime Minister

Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister following Starmer's tearful resignation on Monday.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester, who entered Parliament just last week, is preparing a major economic speech and has already hinted at a new 50p tax rate.

While some Labour MPs are urging a contest, with Darren Jones and Ed Miliband floated as potential challengers, key figures including Wes Streeting and Douglas Alexander have endorsed Burnham, and sceptics concede they lack the numbers to stop him.

Burnham is under pressure to flesh out his economic plan, with his choice of chancellor likely to signal the direction of his premiership.