Andy Burnham./SCREENGRAB
Andy Burnham has been sworn in as the MP for Makerfield hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour Party leader.
Burnham is met by huge cheers from the Labour benches as he steps into a crowded House of Commons.
He takes the oath, following new SNP MP Lara Bird and the new Conservative MP Douglas Lumsden.
He bows his head several times as he makes his way through the chamber, and grins as he is greeted by supportive MPs.
Burnham then has a friendly exchange with the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle as he formally becomes the Makerfield MP.
Streeting backs Burnham: His statement in full
Here is the full statement from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, in which he says he will back Andy Burnham to become Labour leader:
"Keir Starmer led us to a general election victory that no one thought possible. He kept us out of the war in Iran and has delivered real progress as prime minister at home. He has made the right decision to stand down as the leader of the Labour Party that he saved.
"After a devastating set of election results in May, the Makerfield by-election has proven that Labour can still win if we have the courage to change. It was a victory for unity and hope over division and hatred.
"It was also Andy Burnham’s victory. Andy has shown what Labour can be when we are inclusive, united, and in touch with the lives of the people this Party was founded to represent.
"I left the government because we were losing the fight to nationalists in every corner of the country. I have spent the weeks since speaking to our former councillors, activists and voters in place we lost - to listen and learn from them.
"I've also been setting out ideas to change our country: a plan for Britain to grow again and grow together, with a progressive capitalism focused on wealth creation as much as wealth distribution; to lead the world in the fourth industrial revolution and protect people from its risks; to modernise our public services; to give Britain energy security; to build stronger alliances with democracies around the world and a new special relationship with Europe; and to change the culture of our party so that it is more inclusive and open to ideas.
"Having spoken at length with Andy in recent days, I'm convinced that there is a place for those ideas under his leadership; that he is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions; and that he can win the fight of our lives against the forces of nationalism.
"We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs. That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy, too.
"We were elected change our country, to show that politics can be a force for good, and to spread opportunity for everyone. With Andy, we still can."
Celebrations at Burnham victory photo shoot - with senior figures front and centre
At Westminster Hall MPs were seen assembling to have their photo taken with Andy Burnham.
This is standard practice with any by-election winner – but this feels anything but standard.
The mood is beyond celebratory.
It’s impossible to separate the fact of this photo from what so many Labour MPs now see as Burnham’s inevitable move into No 10.
And it is notable to see so many senior figures from Keir Starmer’s government among those who got here earliest for a prime spot.
Among Starmer’s close cabinet allies who are in prominent positions for this photo are Rachel Reeves and Jonathan Reynolds, the chief whip — both front and centre — as well as Steve Reed and Nick Thomas-Symonds.
Burnham could enter No 10 within a few weeks
Within hours of Keir Starmer’s emotional resignation speech, the race to succeed him looked less like a contest and more like a coronation.
Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s decision to back Andy Burnham’s bid for the top job means the new Makerfield MP could swiftly gain an unassailable lead among Labour parliamentarians.
If there is a coronation, and no contest, Burnham could be moving into No 10 within weeks - and opposition parties are already arguing he doesn't have a mandate.
But it is a sign of the frenzied pace of our politics that few in Westminster are talking of Starmer or his political legacy.
Most Labour MPs seem more interested in who, and what, is next.
