'Say cheese!' Andy Burnham takes a 'Selfie' with Labour MP's after returning to Parliament
Burnham was cheered as he arrived in the Commons to be officially sworn in as an MP.
Andy Burnham has arrived in London after announcing that he will "put myself forward" following the resignation of prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
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The former Mayor of Greater Manchester was elected as MP for Makerfield following a historic by-election last week.
All eyes were on the "King of the North" following the election, with pundits anticipating that what would follow would be a straight shot to Number 10.
Read more: 'He and his party have failed in office': MPs react to Starmer’s resignation
Read more: Live: Sir Keir Starmer resigns as prime minister - as Burnham confirms leadership bid
Mr Burnham was greeted by a media frenzy at London’s Euston Station and left by taxi as he headed to Westminster to be sworn in alongside two other MPs.
On arrival in London, Mr Burnham was asked about comments he made calling for a general election when Rishi Sunak replaced Liz Truss as PM.
Asked if he would stand by the commitment if he replaces Sir Keir, he said: "You're jumping several hurdles ahead there."
Earlier, Mr Burnham arrived at the train station in Manchester, carrying a small suitcase and flanked by police officers.
In response to questions regarding the Labour leadership contest, the MP for Makerfield simply responded: "Thank you, everyone".
Mr Burnham paid tribute to Starmer's "huge service to our country" and thanked him for his "leadership and dedication during such a challenging period".
Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) June 22, 2026
His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will…
He went on to acknowledge that Starmer's resignation marked a transition period, which he maintained needed to be "conducted in an orderly and responsible way".
In a statement to X, he announced: "I will put myself forward as part of this process.
"The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get", he added.