Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after being invited by King Charles III to form a new government at Buckingham Palace. Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, becoming Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, and has pledged to restore stability, tackle the cost-of-living crisis and deliver long-term political reform.
Andy Burnham has formally assumed office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester was invited by the monarch to form a government after Keir Starmer’s departure, marking a major political transition in Britain.
Following constitutional tradition, Burnham travelled to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III formally asked him to form the next government.
After accepting the invitation, Burnham proceeded to 10 Downing Street, where he delivered his first address as Prime Minister, promising a fresh direction for the country.
In his inaugural speech, Burnham acknowledged growing public frustration over economic hardship and political instability.
He pledged to make ending rough sleeping one of his immediate priorities, alongside tackling the cost-of-living crisis, expanding affordable housing, improving public services and introducing what he described as a new political and economic model for Britain.
Burnham, a former Cabinet minister and three-term Mayor of Greater Manchester, takes office at a time of economic pressure, strained public services and increasing political competition.
He is expected to announce a new Cabinet and unveil broader policy reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in government.
Burnham’s appointment ushers in a new phase in British politics as he seeks to steer the country through economic and political challenges while redefining Labour’s direction ahead of the next general election.