Andy Burnham's path to becoming prime minister

Andy Burnham has effectively been confirmed as the next Labour leader after securing nominations from the majority of the party's MPs. The MP for Makerfield has been backed by 349 MPs - making it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him. It means he will become prime minister on 20 July, just a few weeks after he returned to Parliament in a by-election. Leadership candidates need 20% of the party's MPs to nominate them. There are 403 Labour MPs, meaning the support of 81 is needed. Burnham has been nominated by 349 MPs, passing the 323-MP threshold which makes it mathematically impossible for a rival to run against him. The nomination stage for MPs continues until 15 July. Next, Burnham needs to be nominated by at least three of the 31 socialist societies and trade unions affiliated to the party, or 5% of the constituency Labour parties (CLPs). Affiliate nominees must comprise at least 5% of Labour's affiliated membership and include two unions, a group that includes GMB, Unite and Unison. Affiliate nominations open at 18:00 BST on 15 July and close the same time the following day. It is expected to be a formality for the former Greater Manchester mayor. Burnham wil