rki.news | Sources: Xinhua
LONDON, July 20: Andy Burnham officially became Britain’s prime minister on Monday after King Charles III invited the Labour Party leader to form a new government following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
Burnham delivered his first address outside 10 Downing Street, acknowledging public frustration with recent political leadership and promising a fresh direction for the country. He pledged to introduce a new political and economic model, decentralize power, revive British industry, and strengthen public control over essential services.
A veteran Labour politician, Burnham previously served as culture secretary, health secretary, and mayor of Greater Manchester. He returned to Parliament after winning the Macclesfield by election in June and was elected Labour leader on July 17.
His appointment follows Labour’s poor performance in May’s local elections, which intensified pressure on Starmer to step down. Starmer announced his resignation in June, saying he would leave office once a new party leader was chosen.
Burnham assumes office at a time of significant challenges, including sluggish economic growth, rising living costs, pressure on public services, and an increasingly fragmented political landscape, with expectations for swift action to restore public confidence