LONDON, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Andy Burnham secured the backing of 349 Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) by Monday, effectively becoming the sole qualifying candidate in the race to lead Britain's Labour Party, according to the party.
Candidates must secure the nominations of at least 81 Labour MPs, including themselves, between July 9 and July 15 to qualify for the leadership contest, under the party's election timetable.
Burnham's 349 nominations have effectively ruled out any rival bid. With Labour holding 403 seats in the House of Commons, no other potential candidate could secure the 81 nominations needed to enter the race.
He now needs to secure nominations from at least three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade union affiliates, by July 16 to complete the nomination threshold. British media said this is a matter of formality.
Burnham is expected to be declared Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday. Local media also reported that he would be sworn in as Britain's prime minister next Monday, succeeding outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. ■