LONDON, U.K.: Only one candidate – Andy Burnham – is expected to contest the election, as nominations opened on July 9 for a Labor Party contest to replace Keir Starmer as Britain's prime minister.

The former Greater Manchester Mayor is gathering support from Labour lawmakers and needs at least 80 signatures to enter the race. He is likely to easily pass this number.

Other possible candidates have decided not to run. Former Defense Minister Al Carns, who had been considering contesting, said late on July 8 that he would not challenge Burnham.

Carns said he had hoped a leadership contest would allow for a proper debate, but added that months of internal party politics are not what the country needs right now. He said it is time to focus on the job and gave his full support to Burnham.

Nominations will stay open until July 16. Burnham is expected to be named Labour leader the next day and could become prime minister after meeting King Charles III on July 20.

Starmer announced last month that he would step down once his party chose a new leader. He won a major election victory in July 2024 but resigned after two years, following mistakes and poor decisions that eroded his support among the public and within his party.

Burnham spent nearly ten years leading Manchester before returning to Parliament after winning a by-election last month. He has promised major changes, aiming to boost the economy after years of slow growth since the 2008 financial crisis. His plan, called "Manchesterism," focuses on using both public and private investment to improve transport, housing and infrastructure.

However, he will face many of the same problems as Starmer, including a slow economy, struggling public services and rising living costs.

Burnham has also promised to continue current foreign policies. He said the UK will stay committed to NATO and its nuclear deterrent, remain a strong ally of the United States, and continue supporting Ukraine.