London, July 17 -- Newly elected MP Andy Burnham was officially declared leader of Britain's governing Labour Party today, clearing the final hurdle before becoming the country's prime minister next week.
The centre-left party announced the result of the leadership contest to replace outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in which Burnham stood as the sole candidate.
The outcome looked inevitable after Burnham manged to secure an overwhelming 379 nominations from Labour's 403 MPs in the House of Commons by Thursday evening.
"We're going to give them hope back," Burnham said in his first speech as party leader. "This is a proud moment you have given me and my family today, and an emotional one, but it is one for which I am ready."Burnham s...