Andy Burnham launches leadership bid

Andy Burnham has become the third MP to confirm he will run for leadership of the party. With Liz Kendall and Chuka Umunna having already made their intentions clear, the Shadow Health Secretary becomes the first MP elected before 2010 to openly put his name forward. He is also the only candidate so far to have held a government position, having been Health Secretary, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport under Gordon Brown.

Burnham has announced his decision with a video published this evening in which he sends a clear message, saying “I can unite this country. And that’s why I am standing to be leader of the Labour Party”. You can watch the full video here:

The timetable for the leadership contest was confirmed today, with the new leader being announced on September 12th.