Andy Burnham admitted it is ‘all starting to feel very real’ today as his Labour leadership ‘coronation’ gets under way.

MPs have been rushing to show their loyalty to the incoming PM with leadership nominations officially opening – after his last potential rival Al Carns threw in the towel. 

Barry Gardiner boasted that he was ‘first through the door’ at the Parliamentary Party office this morning. Burnham backer Luke Charters said it was ‘lovely to see so many MPs queuing up’. 

After going in to nominate himself, Mr Burnham joked that it was ‘third time lucky’ after his botched leadership bids in the past.  

There is speculation that the former Greater Manchester Mayor could even be effectively confirmed in post by the end of the day, if he receives enough support to make another challenger mathematically impossible. The first tally of nominations is due around 7pm.

However, there is still nervousness over a lack of clarity about Mr Burnham’s plans. 

He sent an email to Labour’s 403 MPs overnight vowing a more collegiate approach and has written an article in the Times calling for defence cash to boost British industry. 

But Mr Burnham has not fleshed out any tax or spending plans beyond a commitment to stick to the Labour manifesto and increase devolution. 

Andy Burnham has not fleshed out any tax or spending plans beyond a commitment to stick to the Labour manifesto and increase devolution

After going into nominate himself, Mr Burnham joked that it was ‘third time lucky’ after his botched leadership bids in the past

Barry Gardiner boasted that he was ‘first through the door’ at the Parliamentary Party office this morning

Burnham backer Luke Charters said it was ‘lovely to see so many MPs queuing up’

Some MPs posted images of their nomination paper

There is speculation that Mr Burnham could even 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 have been frantically jockeying for jobs in the new administration, with Ed Miliband hoping to be made Chancellor despite alarm in some quarters at his ‘Soviet’ views.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Deputy PM David Lammy and Attorney General Lord Hermer are all out and about today. Intriguingly, New Labour stalwart David Miliband is due to give a speech tonight, having been tipped for a shock comeback. 

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

In the absence of any other contenders before nominations close on July 15, Mr Burnham will be formally declared Labour leader at a special conference on July 17 and is expected to then become prime minister on July 20.

Former armed forces minister Mr Carns told Sky News last night: ‘I’d hoped a leadership contest would give us the opportunity for a proper debate.

‘But months of internal Labour politics isn’t what the country needs right now. We’ve got to get on with the job.

‘Andy Burnham’s earned this and he’s got my full backing.’

However, allies of Mr Burnham have been briefing that Mr Carns has wrecked his chances of a ministerial job, with claims he only had three backers – including himself.  

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