Andy Burnham appointed UK prime minister after Keir Starmer steps down
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Labour's Andy Burnham has been sworn in as Britain’s prime minister following Keir Starmer’s resignation, inheriting challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis and NHS pressures.
London – Andy Burnham, 56, was appointed prime minister on Monday after Labour leader Keir Starmer resigned following a series of electoral setbacks. Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, was invited by King Charles III to form a government and subsequently delivered his first address outside Downing Street.
In his speech, Burnham said he intends to implement what he described as the "biggest changes of the past 40 years," pledging to shift decision-making power to ordinary citizens and to address the nation’s cost-of-living pressures, health-service challenges, and debates over immigration and relations with the European Union.
He also noted the need to review energy policy, referencing ongoing discussions about North Sea oil and gas licences. Burnham’s administration will face opposition from parties such as Reform UK, which currently leads in opinion polls.
Keir Starmer, speaking after his resignation, thanked supporters and expressed confidence in Burnham’s ability to lead, describing the role as “the privilege of my life.” The transition marks the seventh change of prime minister in just over a decade.
The new government will need to navigate domestic reforms and foreign-policy issues, including the United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States.