Andy Burnham sworn in as Makerfield MP after by-election victory

Mr Burnham has officially taken his seat as Makerfield’s new MP in the House of Commons following last week’s by-election landslide victory.

The moment came just hours after an emotional farewell from Sir Keir Starmer, who this morning announced his resignation as both prime minister and Labour leader.

Mr Burnham has confirmed he wants to succeed Sir Keir, amid suggestions the leadership race could amount to a “coronation” rather than a contest.

Andy Burnham arrives at Portcullis House in Westminster (Image: Andrew Matthews, PA Wire)

His arrival in Parliament was met by a small protest, with some shouting “traitor” as he got out of a taxi from London’s Euston station.

He swept through the parliamentary estate, pausing to greet Labour MPs including former defence secretary John Healey.

Making his way through the Commons chamber, Sir Desmond Swayne, a Conservative former minister, heckled: “Rome is saved.”

Another MP shouted: “He’s not the Messiah”.

However, a cheery Mr Burnham took the jokes in good faith and, in a nod to Monty Python’s Life of Brian, replied: “Naughty boy.”

After being sworn in, the new Makerfield MP posed for pictures with scores of parliamentary colleagues, including former Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

Mr Streeting had set out his intention to enter a leadership contest, claiming the backing of 81 MPs in recent weeks.

However, today he said he would support Mr Burnham to become the next Labour leader, making it highly likely the former Greater Manchester mayor will replace Sir Keir as prime minister in July.

Andy Burnham with colleagues from the Parliamentary Labour Party in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Mr Burnham’s journey from Manchester to London had been closely monitored, with rolling news coverage tracking his delayed Avanti West Coast train.

It arrived 21 minutes late and he was met by around 50 journalists, photographers and videographers.

Mr Burnham said: “It’s been very, kind of, sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester.”

“The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I’ve loved every minute of the role.

“I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.”