- Burnham becomes prime minister after Starmer steps down.
- Former Manchester mayor pledges to establish a new model of governance.
- Andy Burnham’s team aims to move swiftly with their policy agenda.
King Charles III of Britain appointed Andy Burnham as prime minister on Monday, following Keir Starmer’s official resignation, according to the palace.
“Andrew Burnham MP has accepted the King’s offer and has been formally sworn in,” Buckingham Palace announced, adding that the king tasked him with forming the next government.
Burnham committed to presenting a decade-long plan for the country, emphasizing the importance of making politics work again.
“Britain needs to demonstrate to the world that we can regain stability,” Burnham stated shortly after his appointment by King Charles III to succeed Keir Starmer. He also promised to “give my first orders to eliminate rough sleeping across the nation” once he begins his term.
He also noted that the government would introduce measures to address rising living costs and outline funding strategies.
Looking ahead, Burnham said, “We will support more young people into employment by reforming the education system and providing additional help, including mental health support, and we will build more council homes.”
“This is the fair, sustainable way to reduce welfare expenses, meet our fiscal targets, and uphold our defense commitments on the international stage.”
Labour Party Supports Burnham to Counter Reform UK’s Rising Influence
On Friday, Burnham described his rise to Labour leader as “the most significant political change in four decades.”
He vowed to overhaul the political system to make the nation more affordable and elevate all communities from their current hardships.
Lawmakers within the Labour Party see him as a rare politician capable of confronting Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK — a challenge they believed Starmer was ill-equipped to handle.
Burnham’s immediate focus will be the composition of his cabinet, especially choosing a finance minister. Past administrations have fallen due to disagreements within this critical department.
One of the early favorites for the finance role, energy security and net zero advocate Ed Miliband, has faced some opposition, with Shabana Mahmood, the interior minister, now considered a leading candidate.
Additionally, Burnham scrapped plans for all government employees to carry digital identity documents—a scheme aimed at curbing illegal migration that faced criticism from cross-party lawmakers.
Further decisions on taxation, public spending, oil and gas policies, and oversight of utility companies are anticipated, with Burnham advocating for increased public control over essential services.