Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour leader at special conference in London

Andy Burnham was confirmed as Labour leader at a special conference in central London on Friday, according to BBC Politics and The Guardian. The Makerfield MP’s elevation comes as the party looks to reset after recent electoral setbacks.

In his first speech as leader, Burnham urged unity and called for a different style of politics, The Guardian reported. He also criticised decades of neoliberal policy and said he wanted to restore hope for voters.

Burnham’s return to Westminster had previously been blocked when he sought selection for a different Labour candidacy, but the party’s national executive later backed his move to Makerfield, according to The Guardian. The change followed a run of poor results for Labour in May.

The confirmation marks a major shift in the party’s leadership as Burnham prepares to take on the role from outside the Commons. The special conference was held in central London.