London: The contest to choose the next leader of the UK's Labour Party officially began Thursday following the resignation of Keir Starmer from the role. The leadership race sets in motion a series of procedural steps for interested Labour MPs who must secure backing from at least 81 of their parliamentary colleagues to be eligible candidates.

According to Anadolu Agency, each MP is required to complete a nomination form and submit it to the Parliamentary Labour Party office. The deadline for these nominations is set for next Wednesday. Those who achieve the necessary support from their peers must then garner backing from a minimum of three organizations affiliated with the Labour Party, including at least two trade unions. This phase is expected to conclude by 6 pm local time next Thursday.

Around half of Labour's current 403 MPs have already submitted their nominations, with a significant number anticipated to throw their support behind Andy Burnham, as reported by Sky News. Most MPs opted to deliver their nominations personally, though some used proxies to submit their forms.

Andy Burnham, who previously served as the mayor of Greater Manchester, is projected to be the sole candidate in the race. In such a scenario, a special conference will be organized on July 17 to formally announce Burnham as the new Labour leader. Subsequently, he is poised to assume the role of prime minister on July 20.