Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister

Andy Burnham officially became the UK's new prime minister on Monday, succeeding Keir Starmer and becoming Britain's seventh premier in a decade.

The 56-year-old former Mayor of Greater Manchester was appointed by King Charles III after Starmer formally resigned at Buckingham Palace. Burnham secured the Labour Party leadership last week with the backing of around 95% of Labour MPs, paving the way for his appointment as prime minister.

Starmer stepped down after declining public support, growing opposition within Labour and a series of disappointing local election results. 

In his farewell remarks, he said he was proud of his government's achievements and described the UK as stronger and fairer than when he took office in 2024.

In his first speech as prime minister, Burnham is expected to outline plans to restore public trust in government and tackle the UK's ongoing cost-of-living crisis, setting the tone for a new phase of Labour leadership.