Let the Burnham coronation begin! Fawning Labour MPs QUEUE to back incoming PM as nominations open – with last rival Al Carns pulling out of race

Andy Burnham’s ‘coronation’ begins today as nominations for Labor leader officially open.

MPs are rushing to show their loyalty to the new Prime Minister after his last potential rival, Al Carns, threw in the towel.

Barry Gardiner boasted about being ‘the first through the door’ at his Parliamentary Party office this morning. Burnham supporter Luke Charters said it was ‘delightful to see so many MPs lining up’.

There is speculation that Mr. Burnham could be effectively confirmed by mail by the end of the day if he receives enough support to make another challenger mathematically impossible.

But there is still unease as the former Manchester Mayor’s plans remain unclear.

Overnight he sent an email to 403 Labor MPs promising a more collegiate approach and wrote an op-ed in the Times calling for defense money to boost British industry.

But Mr Burnham did not detail any tax or spending plans beyond a pledge to stick to the Labor manifesto and increase devolution.

Barry Gardiner boasted of being ‘first through the door’ at his Parliamentary Party office this morning

Burnham supporter Luke Charters said ‘good to see so many MPs lining up’

There is speculation that Mr Burnham could be effectively confirmed as Keir Starmer’s (pictured) successor by the end of the day if he receives enough support to make another challenger mathematically impossible.

Ministers and MPs are frantically competing for positions in the new administration; Ed Miliband hopes to become Chancellor despite concerns from some over his “Soviet” views.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Attorney-General Lord Hermer are out today. Surprisingly, New Labor stalwart David Miliband is expected to make a speech tonight in what is predicted to be a shock comeback.

Prospective candidates need the support of 81 MPs to replace Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned last month after Mr Burnham’s victory in the Makerfield by-election.

If no other candidate is found before nominations close on July 15, Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labor leader at a special conference on July 17, after which he is expected to become prime minister on July 20.

Former Armed Forces Minister Mr Carns told Sky News last night: ‘I was hoping that the leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate.

‘But months of Labor Party domestic policies are not what the country needs right now. We must continue the work.

‘Andy Burnham deserved it and has my full support.’

But Mr Burnham’s allies say he has ruined Mr Carns’ chances for a ministerial post by claiming he has only three supporters, including himself.

Mr Burnham’s latest potential rival, Al Carns, threw in the towel last night