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Britain has a new prime minister, with former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham taking the keys to Downing Street after replacing Keir Starmer as leader of the ruling Labour Party.
Burnham officially took office on Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, following Starmer’s resignation. His arrival marks another major political shift in the UK, which has seen a rapid turnover of prime ministers in recent years.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham said his first calls as prime minister included conversations with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while stressing that Britain’s support for Ukraine would continue under his leadership.
But his first message to the British public focused on domestic issues, especially the pressures facing households.
“Britain must show the world that we can regain our stability,” Burnham said, admitting, "We weren’t good enough, and we need to get better.”
Cost of living at the top of the agenda
Burnham pledged to announce new measures within days aimed at easing the cost-of-living pressures facing families, while later this year he is expected to present a new 10-year plan for the country.
His priorities include giving more power to local communities, improving living standards and restoring what he described as a sense of “hope” in British politics.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester has built his political reputation around local government and has promised a different style of leadership focused on communities outside London.
Starmer’s sudden departure
Starmer left office after losing support within his own party despite leading Labor to a major election victory in 2024. He delivered a farewell speech outside Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace to formally submit his resignation to the king.
Burnham now faces the challenge of uniting Labour, rebuilding public trust, and convincing voters that the party can deliver the change they were promised.
*Source: AP News, Reuters
