Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister and vows to restore stability
Burnham took office after meeting King Charles III, promising major political and economic changes and early action on living costs.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Andy Burnham became the United Kingdom’s prime minister on Monday, taking office at a moment of sharp political strain and rising pressure from populist rivals. Al Jazeera reported that Burnham, the country’s seventh premier in 10 years, used his first address outside 10 Downing Street to promise stability and broad change.
His appointment was confirmed after he met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, according to Al Jazeera and news agencies. Burnham replaces Keir Starmer, who was forced out by Labour colleagues about a month ago, two years after winning a landslide election victory.
Speaking in London after arriving at Downing Street, Burnham said Britain had to prove it could “regain our stability once again.” He said the country had “not been good enough” and needed to improve.
Burnham, a former mayor of Greater Manchester, also said he was “fed up” with Britain’s rapid turnover of leaders. He described the moment as one for reflection and a new course in British politics.
Starmer, in his final remarks as prime minister, called the job “the privilege of my life” and said Burnham had his “full support,” Al Jazeera reported. Burnham did not mention Starmer in his Downing Street speech, instead setting out a promise to alter how the country is governed.
Burnham said his government would treat the transition as a “circuit-breaker for Britain” and bring in what he called the biggest changes in 40 years. He said that would include both “a new political model and a new economic model.”
On domestic policy, Burnham promised measures this week aimed at easing the cost of living. He also said his first instruction as prime minister would be to end rough sleeping in the country.
Burnham said a 10-year plan for Britain would be published later in 2026, according to Al Jazeera. Details of that plan were not given in the Downing Street remarks.
On foreign policy, Burnham said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be among the first overseas leaders he contacts. He said British support for Ukraine would stay “resolute” under his government and said he would be with Zelenskyy “100 percent,” as Starmer had been.
Burnham also indicated he would speak early with United States President Donald Trump. Al Jazeera reported that Burnham is expected to name senior cabinet ministers shortly, with attention on who will succeed Rachel Reeves as finance minister.
Burnham has been nicknamed the “King of the North” because of his record leading Greater Manchester and his focus on working-class issues, Al Jazeera reported. Labour figures have backed him as the party’s best chance to contain Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK.
Reform UK now leads in polls two years after Labour’s landslide national election victory, according to Al Jazeera. The next UK general election is due in 2029.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.