Andy Burnham has officially assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following the formal resignation of his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
Burnham’s appointment was confirmed on Monday after he met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where the monarch invited him to form a new government in line with constitutional tradition.
Delivering his first address outside 10 Downing Street, the new prime minister described his appointment as “a moment for reflection and new resolution,” while acknowledging public dissatisfaction with the country’s political leadership.
“I hear you. We have not been good enough and we need to be better. We will be,” Burnham said.
He pledged to restore stability and public confidence, promising what he described as “a new political model” for Britain.
“We have to show that we can regain our stability once again, and that is our challenge. We will make this moment a circuit-breaker for Britain, and there will be a new political model,” he said.
Burnham announced plans to unveil a 10-year strategy for Britain’s future later this year, outlining his government’s long-term vision for economic growth and national renewal.
As part of his immediate agenda, he said his administration would introduce measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis and giving households more financial breathing space.
“The care of people will be at the heart of everything I will do. I will give this my all,” the prime minister said.
One of Burnham’s first responsibilities will be to appoint a new Cabinet, with political observers watching closely to see whether members of Keir Starmer’s outgoing administration will retain positions in the new government.
Earlier on Monday, Starmer formally stepped down from office, saying he was leaving Downing Street “with good grace” and “a smile,” bringing his tenure as prime minister to an end.
