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Burnham takes office
Andy Burnham became Britain’s next prime minister on Monday after meeting King Charles III, replacing outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said, "My work is done."
Burnham, who until recently was serving as the mayor of Greater Manchester, spoke outside 10 Downing Street and told the assembled press that Britain must show "that we can regain our stability."
The handover followed Starmer traveling to Buckingham Palace to formally inform King Charles III of his resignation, after which the king asked Burnham to form a government.
Burnham said his appointment will serve as "a circuit-breaker" for the country, pledging a new political and economic model and a 10-year plan.
Through Monday, Burnham was expected to begin appointing cabinet ministers from Number 10 as Starmer announced he would step down in June.
Cabinet and political fallout
As Burnham started building his new cabinet after taking office following Starmer’s resignation, the BBC reported that he pledged to make announcements this week to "give people some breathing space."
The BBC’s Annita McVeigh discussed key appointments as the reshuffle included Hilary Benn being replaced by a former Anglican priest, while Stevens said she was "proud" of her role but would not be in Burnham’s cabinet.
CNN reported that several senior lawmakers, including the deputy prime minister and the finance minister, announced their departures from the Cabinet later in the day.
CNN also quoted David Lammy saying it was the "greatest privilege of my life" to serve in Starmer’s government, while Rachel Reeves wrote on X that working in Starmer’s government was "the privilege of my life."
NPR said Burnham’s first day included appointing a Cabinet, with John Healey named chancellor of the exchequer and Shabana Mahmood remaining as home secretary.
Promises and next pressures
Burnham’s first speech framed his agenda as a push to end rough sleeping and to make politics work better, with CNBC quoting him saying, "We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain."
“Andy Burnham becomes UK's next prime minister after meeting with King Charles III Burnham replaces outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer”
In that same speech, Burnham pledged to build a new economy by putting "life's essentials back under stronger public control" and reindustrializing Britain using public procurement to back British industry.
The Associated Press said Burnham promised to restore political stability and revive the economy while acknowledging that six other U.K. leaders had tried and failed in the past decade.
AP also reported that Burnham said he would deliver a "circuit breaker" and take power out of central government so that it could be carried into every postcode.
As he moved into office, AP said the next national poll does not have to be held until 2029, while Burnham can call one sooner if he wants.
