Andy Burnham Set to Become UK’s New Prime Minister as Keir Starmer Steps Down from Downing Street
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Andy Burnham is poised to become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The 56-year-old, having secured leadership of the Labour Party, is set to replace his own party colleague Sir Keir Starmer and become the 59th Prime Minister of Britain.
Burnham will be the fourth person to become Prime Minister within five years in the UK.
Starmer, who resigned from both government and Labour Party leadership on 22 June, formally handed in his resignation to King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Monday.
Prior to this, speaking at Downing Street, Starmer stated that the country is “stronger” today than it was two years ago and pledged his full support to the new Prime Minister.
During his address, Starmer highlighted achievements during his tenure: a stronger economy, improvements in public services, reduction in child poverty, decreased immigration, and significant enhancement of the country’s international reputation.
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The Labour Party holds a majority in the House of Commons, the UK’s lower house of Parliament. With Burnham now elected party leader, he is set to be appointed Prime Minister.
After taking office as Prime Minister, Burnham may call a parliamentary election, although so far no indication of a general election has been given.
The next scheduled UK general election is set for 15 August 2029.
Burnham has pledged that under his leadership, the Labour government will place greater emphasis on left-wing policies and focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people.
He had previously contested the party leadership in 2010 and 2015 but was unsuccessful.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester entered Parliament only last June after winning a by-election.