A coronation looks to be looming for Andy Burnham today as a major rival pulled out of the leadership race.

Wes Streeting declared he will not seek the top job, throwing his weight behind Mr Burnham after Keir Starmer's resignation. 

The announcement makes it far more likely that the former Greater Manchester Mayor will be in No10 by this time next month. 

Mr Streeting had claimed he was able to gain the 81 nominations from Labour MPs needed to force a full contest. 

Jockeying has been gearing up over who will be in Mr Burnham's Cabinet, as he closes in on taking over from Sir Keir after his dramatic victory in the Makerfield by-election.  

Mr Streeting said he had 'spoken at length with Andy in recent days' and was convinced he 'is committed to building an inclusive party that draws on the best of our political traditions and that he can win the fight of our lives against the force of nationalism'.

Calling for a coronation for Mr Burnham, he said: 'We could spend the summer exaggerating small differences, or we can roll up our sleeves and help him to deliver the change our party and our country needs.

'That is the choice that I am making and I hope that everyone else will back Andy too.'

Mr Burnham - who is heading for Westminster to be sworn in as an MP - said: 'Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

'His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.

'The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.

The moves were made shortly after Sir Keir - who is not thought to have spoken to Mr Burnham for weeks amid bitter tensions - delivered an emotional resignation speech in Downing Street.

The PM talked up his achievements in getting Labour elected - as well as making a series of dubious claims about successes in Government - in a statement outside the famous black door of No10. 

But he acknowledged that his time had run out. 'I know the question being asked now is not who is best placed to change the Labour Party... the question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.'

He added: 'I accept that answer with good grace... that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.' 

Sir Keir said there would be an 'orderly' process to choose his replacement. He said a successor would be in place before the Commons summer recess on July 16 if there is only one candidate - Mr Burnham. Otherwise the decision could take until August.

However, Sir Keir became emotional as he paid tribute to the support from his family - saying he would now focus on being the 'best husband' and the 'best dad'. 

Wife Victoria and the couple's son had joined close colleagues outside in the street to watch the news being delivered. Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray, a perennial presence in Westminster, could be heard playing EU anthem Ode To Joy through speakers nearby.

Nigel Farage immediate joined calls - including from some Labour MPs - for a general election to accompany the change at the top. 

The PM returned to Downing Street from Chequers early this morning, after spending the weekend locked in talks with wife Victoria and close aides. He spoke to the King, who is at his Highgrove residence, by phone before making the announcement.