Andy Burnham has formally put himself forward to become the next leader of the Labour Party, announcing his self-nomination in a video posted on social media.
The Makerfield MP currently stands as the sole declared candidate in the race.
Speaking directly to the camera, Mr Burnham stated: "Strange thing to say, but I have just been in to nominate myself to be leader of the Labour Party."
He added that the nomination process had opened that morning, noting, "I am still the only candidate in the race. We will get the first indication about 7pm tonight of the first number of MPs to sign up. But the thing will go on over the next few days, so it won’t be the final word. But yeah, it is all starting to feel very real."
In a post accompanying the video, Mr Burnham quipped "hopefully third time lucky”, alluding to his previous attempts at the party’s top job.
The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) offices in Westminster saw a steady stream of MPs arriving on Thursday morning to make their nominations for Sir Keir Starmer’s successor.
While Mr Burnham is the only known contender following former defence minister Al Carns ruling himself out on Wednesday evening, one MP leaving the PLP offices told the Press Association there appeared to be "no one else" as a likely challenger.
Amid the proceedings, some parliamentarians light-heartedly suggested voting for satirical candidate Count Binface, who is currently standing against Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election.
The by-election was triggered when Farage made a public statement announcing his resignation as an MP on Tuesday afternoon, before stating his intention to stand in the subsequent by-election to win back his seat.
Rachel Reeves accepted Farage’s resignation on Wednesday, stating: “I will accept Nigel Farage’s request to be appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.
“It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better.
“But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won’t stop him.”
Early nominators for Count Binface to stand against Burnham included Barry Gardiner, the MP for Brent West, and Andy McDonald, representing Middlesbrough and Thornaby East.
