Andy Burnham has been named the new leader of the Labour Party.
The Aintree-born politician recently secured his return to Parliament following a nine-year absence by winning the recent Makerfield constituency by-election.
Burnham previously challenged for the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015 but ran unopposed in the contest to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as the party’s figurehead.
He will be formally installed as the UK’s new prime minister on Monday (July 20) and set out a vision for a ‘distinctively Labour’ government.
“This is a proud moment you have given me and my family, and an emotional one,” said Burnham.
“It is one for which I am ready; ready to lead and to build on the foundation laid by one person more than any other.
“Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, we went from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in history.”
He added: “This is a moment to speak for all parts of the country and unite people in a common cause.
“Ilove every part of the country, all of the accents and different traditions and some of the football clubs.
“But I also feel they can be more than they are.”