Andy Burnham sets out plans to take Britain back to the 1970s as he is declared Labour leader after weeks of dodging media scrutiny

Andy Burnham has officially been announced as the 20th leader of the Labour Party as he laid out his plans.

The Makerfield MP was confirmed today after a vote among party figures and will enter Downing Street on Monday as the eighth Labour leader to become Prime Minister.

Mr Burnham said the party under his stewardship would be "unashamedly Labour in our priorities and in the decisions we take."

Shabana Mahmood, chair of the National Executive Committee, confirmed the former Greater Manchester Mayor was elected after receiving 379 MP nominations.

Mr Burnham said it was "a proud moment" but added he was "ready to lead."

He said he was going to build on "the foundation laid by one person...today we thank Keir for the service to our country."

The former Greater Manchester Mayor continued: "We are united and we put the power that comes from that unity at the service of people and places who have been waiting too long for politics to let them hope again.

"That’s what we’re going to do, everybody. We’re going to give them hope back."

More to follow...