Tallies confirm Burton as favourite for Labour leadership

Joan Burton is set to become the new leader of the Labour Party.

A tally of 400 votes has the Social Protection Minister on 72.6%, compared to Junior Minister Alex White on 27.4%.

Tally men at work!! Labour leadership election! pic.twitter.com/MGS8MhaqRv

— EILEEN BROPHY (@BROPHONTHEBEAT) July 4, 2014

While a tally of a similar number of votes for the Deputy leadership shows Junior Transport Minister Alan Kelly surging ahead.

Double checking envelopes to make sure no ballot papers left #labourleader pic.twitter.com/t2jltBGoz6

— The Labour Party Ireland (@labour) July 4, 2014

Once the celebrations have died down in Labour, Minister Joan Burton will have a telephone conversation with An Taoiseach this evening.

Full talks will get underway on Sunday night or Monday morning.

UPDATE: Outgoing Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has formally resigned the office of Tánaiste.

In a statement he says he is doing so to allow his successor to be formally given the title as quickly as possible.

He will remain as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade until the Cabinet reshuffle.