Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister After Starmer’s Resignation, Pledges Stability and Cost-of-Living Action
Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister, promising to restore political stability and address the country’s cost-of-living pressures after taking office following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
Burnham delivered his first address outside 10 Downing Street after being invited by King Charles III to form a government during a meeting at Buckingham Palace.
In his speech, the new prime minister pledged to make politics “work better” and help the country “regain our stability” as his administration begins its term in office.
Burnham said his government would unveil a 10-year national plan later this year but would begin introducing measures from Tuesday aimed at easing the financial pressures facing households.
The proposed measures include reforms to the education system, expanding opportunities for young people entering the workforce, increasing mental health support and accelerating the construction of social housing.
The prime minister said the policies would be aimed at reducing welfare spending in a fair and sustainable manner while ensuring the government meets its fiscal rules and defence commitments.
“We will help people to live well, building a more preventative state, investing in people’s success rather than paying for failure, and that work starts now,” Burnham said.
Earlier, Starmer formally resigned as prime minister after delivering a farewell speech outside Downing Street, describing his time in office as “the privilege of my life”.
Burnham became leader of the governing Labour Party on Friday after Starmer stepped down amid growing internal pressure and declining opinion poll ratings.
Starmer’s departure makes him the shortest-serving Labour prime minister in British history, while Burnham becomes the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in 10 years.
