Andy Burnham latest: Prime minister-in-waiting set to become Labour leader within hours

Andy Burnham is set to be crowned as Labour leader tomorrow in the first formal step of his takeover from Sir Keir Starmer.

The newly elected Makerfield MP will be confirmed at a special conference in London on Friday afternoon just days before he is set to become prime minister.

Mr Burnham was confirmed as Labour’s next leader this week after he secured the backing of 349 Labour MPs and trade unions linked to the party.

However, he will have to wait until Sir Keir formally recommends him to the King as his successor on Monday before he is coronated as prime minister.

It comes as the outgoing Sir Keir uses his last days in power to shore up his legacy and highlight the campaigners he has worked with during his time in No 10.

On Thursday, it was revealed he has nominated London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan for a peerage as one of his last acts in the top job.

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting over who Mr Burnham will choose to appoint to his Cabinet. Sources suggest Shabana Mahmood could be his pick for chancellor, but he has so far remained tight-lipped over his plans.