Andy Burnham has become the United Kingdom’s prime minister, replacing Keir Starmer in a handover of power that marks the country’s fifth prime minister in four years.
Burnham, who only entered Parliament last month, became Labour leader on Friday and will deliver his first Downing Street address later on Monday, promising “more breathing room” for Britain while arguing for a more stable and responsible politics.
In his first speech as prime minister, Burnham will argue that Britain faces a moment not for triumphalism but for honesty and reflection. He will set out his priorities for restoring confidence in government and giving Britain more breathing room.
Burnham will say that he is “acutely conscious” of being the sixth person to walk up Downing Street in just 10 years, arguing that the unprecedented turnover in national leadership underlines the need for more stable and responsible politics.
He will describe the moment as one of “reflection and resolution,” saying Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces while demonstrating that it can once again be recognised around the world for effective government.
Setting out his domestic priorities, Burnham will argue that political stability must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives, with a commitment to giving people more breathing room.
Cost of living will be top of Burnham’s list, according to Labour MP Melanie Ward, a long-time supporter of the new prime minister. She says Burnham will focus on “how do we get growth, jobs and economic potential into areas that have been left behind and forgotten in our country for too long.”
She puts forward a massive council house building programme, changing public transport, and looking at how to take on vested interests in the water companies.
In an interview with the Times, Burnham has promised to “do things in a different way” after what he says is a “decade of it just not working.” He plans to lay a long path to a new kind of economy, adding that it can’t be done overnight but he wants to show people where they are going and the steps towards it.
Burnham is expected to scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults, and will also announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has wished Burnham “every success” but warns he is entering office without a clear plan. She calls on Burnham to make an immediate difference by ruling out any new tax rises and overturning the ban on new oil and gas licences.
Burnham will be King Charles’ fourth prime minister since the monarch’s reign began in 2022. The handover will take place at Buckingham Palace, where the King will say his farewells to the departing PM and then greet the newcomer.
