Britain entered a new political chapter on Monday as King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as the country’s new prime minister following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Burnham accepted the King’s invitation to form a new government after Starmer officially tendered his resignation. Burnham becomes Britain’s sixth prime minister in just a decade, inheriting a government under pressure from economic challenges, rising living costs, and growing political competition.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to introduce measures this week to ease the cost-of-living crisis before unveiling a comprehensive 10-year national renewal plan later this year.
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” Burnham said, acknowledging that recent governments “have not been good enough” and promising to give families “some breathing space.”
The new prime minister said his government would focus on helping young people into work by reforming education, expanding mental health support, and building more council homes. He argued these measures would reduce welfare spending while maintaining fiscal discipline and meeting Britain’s defence commitments.
Burnham also confirmed that his first calls with foreign leaders would include US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing there would be “no change whatsoever” in Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced her departure from government, expressing full support for Burnham and his incoming cabinet. Attention is now focused on who Burnham will appoint as the UK’s next Chancellor.
Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, takes office after Labour turned to one of its most popular figures following Starmer’s departure, hoping he can revive the party’s fortunes and counter the growing challenge posed by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.