LONDON, July 17 - Andy Burnham, nicknamed the 'King of the North', will become leader of Britain's governing Labour Party on Friday, the final step before becoming its seventh prime minister in a decade on a pledge to thwart the rise of the populist Reform UK. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

LONDON, July 17 - Andy Burnham, nicknamed the 'King of the North', will become leader of Britain's governing Labour Party on Friday, the final step before becoming its seventh prime minister in a decade on a pledge to thwart the rise of the populist Reform UK. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

While almost 80% of the Parliamentary Labour Party formally nominated Mr Burnham last week, extra endorsements on Monday took him over the line.

Labour has formally opened its leadership contest with Andy Burnham as the only candidate. His unopposed path could make him prime minister within days and sharpen focus on devolution and defence.

Andy Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader on July 17 before becoming prime minister after meeting King Charles on July 20.

Labour has opened nominations to choose Keir Starmer's successor, with Andy Burnham likely to run unopposed. His near-certain elevation would quickly hand him Downing Street amid heavy economic and political pressures.