Andy Burnham has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament and used his Makerfield by-election victory and Wes Streeting's endorsement to consolidate his path to Labour leadership.More than 200 Labour MPs gathered for a group photograph in Westminster Hall to signal unity behind his candidacy while nominations open July 9 and close a week later.Potential challengers Al Carns and Darren Jones say they are weighing bids to force a contest and scrutiny, but Andy Burnham could become prime minister by mid-July if unopposed.Labour strategists promote Burnham's "Manchesterism" and intensive grassroots canvassing, led by
Steve Reed, as the means to blunt
Reform UK's advance and rebuild party momentum.