Burnham's coronation as Labour leader risks angering party members, bosses warned

Labour Party officials have been cautioned that they must address growing discontent among members who are upset about the lack of internal democracy, as Andy Burnham is widely expected to become leader without facing a challenger.

Several MPs have reported to party leadership that members are complaining about being sidelined if Burnham is elected without contest from any other MP. The party reportedly considered hiring Everton FC's ground to announce Burnham – a lifelong Everton fan – as the new leader, but insiders warned that booking the venue before the official nomination deadline could seem presumptuous and further anger members already disappointed by the absence of a contest.

Instead, the party plans to hold online Q&A sessions to replace the hustings that would typically occur during a leadership race. Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, is expected to become leader at a special conference on 17 July, provided no other candidate secures more than 81 MP nominations – which currently appears highly unlikely. Nominations open a week earlier, and Burnham is anticipated to gain the backing of hundreds of MPs and ministers.

Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) told the Guardian that other efforts have been made to placate disgruntled members and trade unions unhappy with the idea of a coronation on democratic grounds. Trade unions will have the opportunity to express endorsements during the nomination week starting 9 July, or decline to give one. This requires a tweak to Labour's rulebook, as unions would normally nominate during a contest.

Burnham, who has spent the past fortnight in talks with groups of MPs and ministers, met with affiliated trade union leaders on Thursday afternoon. Several plan to question the prime minister-in-waiting about his plans for oil and gas licences and care worker visas. NEC members representing constituency parties also noted unhappiness among rank-and-file members about their lack of input in the leadership selection process.

The party is expected to organise online sessions with Burnham for members once he becomes leader. He is expected to enter No 10 as prime minister on Monday, 20 July. In her NEC report, CLP representative Ann Black said many members were “upset by Starmer’s departure” and urged the party to end the tradition of driving out supporters of previous leaders.

Several MPs said they had faced angry criticism from members during meetings in May and June, many of whom were critical of removing Starmer. The anger came from various political viewpoints, including former Jeremy Corbyn supporters unhappy with Owen Smith's leadership challenge. One MP said: “There is a lot of affection for Andy but there is also anger about party disunity.” Another added: “Andy’s been showing a lot of interest in meeting MPs and engaging on lots of issues which has been excellent but he needs to show that to party members as well. He’s likely to have been the choice of the membership but we can’t afford to see mass departures over this leadership change because people feel ignored.”