Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom’s 59th prime minister after securing the Labour Party leadership unopposed following Keir Starmer’s resignation. His appointment also makes him the UK’s seventh prime minister in the past 10 years, highlighting a decade of political change.
The 56-year-old formally accepted King Charles III’s invitation to form a new government after Starmer submitted his resignation at Buckingham Palace. Burnham officially assumed office the moment he accepted the King’s invitation during the traditional ceremony known as “kissing hands.”
Previously serving as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham is widely known as the “King of the North.” He is not expected to face Members of Parliament until September, when Parliament returns from its six-week summer recess, unless he chooses to recall the House of Commons earlier.
Summer public consultation tour
During Parliament’s summer recess in August, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to travel across the UK on a nationwide public engagement tour aimed at hearing directly from communities.
One of the planned stops is Port Talbot in south Wales, according to reports. The town, once home to the UK’s largest steelworks, was heavily affected after its final steel-making blast furnace closed in September 2024, leading to the loss of around 2,800 jobs as the site shifted toward greener steel production.
Several Welsh Labour MPs told BBC Wales they expect Burnham to visit Port Talbot as part of his tour, highlighting the government’s focus on engaging with communities impacted by major industrial change.
Top priorities
After taking office, Andy Burnham is expected to move swiftly to appoint his Cabinet, selecting senior ministers for key positions, including chancellor, foreign secretary, and home secretary. Under the UK’s parliamentary system, the new government assumes power immediately, with no formal inauguration or parliamentary confirmation vote required.
Focus is then likely to shift to Burnham’s domestic policy agenda. According to media reports, one of his first major decisions could involve placing Thames Water into a Special Administration Regime, allowing the government to take temporary control of the company while it undergoes restructuring.
Starmer stepping down
Keir Starmer announced on June 22 that he would resign after serving as prime minister for less than two years. His decision followed significant Labour losses in local elections and mounting political pressure, including criticism over appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States despite his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
During his final Prime Minister’s Questions session, Starmer defended his time in office, highlighting achievements such as strengthening workers’ rights, reducing child poverty, introducing legislation to prevent official cover-ups after national tragedies, and increasing defence spending. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, “I am proud to leave this country in a better shape than I found it.”
Under Labour Party rules, leadership candidates must secure the support of at least one-fifth of Labour MPs to enter the contest. Burnham met the required threshold, and with no other candidates coming forward, he was elected party leader unopposed.
A New Direction for Britain
In his first speech as Labour leader, Andy Burnham outlined his vision for a fresh direction for Britain, pledging to make everyday life more affordable and tackle regional inequalities across the country.
Describing the leadership change as a defining moment, Burnham said, “This change today is the most significant moment in our politics for 40 years. It will take us to a country where life is more affordable and all people and places are lifted from where they are now.”
He also vowed to serve every nation and region of the United Kingdom, saying, “I will be a leader for the North, the South, the East and the West, for Scotland, Wales and for Northern Ireland.”
The next UK general election is not required to take place until 2029, five years after Labour secured victory in the 2024 general election.