Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where he was invited to form a new government.
The 56-year-old takes office after succeeding Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader. Starmer resigned following poor opinion poll numbers, disappointing local election performances and controversy surrounding former U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson.
Before stepping down, Starmer delivered a farewell address, clearing the way for Burnham to assume the party leadership unopposed before being formally appointed Prime Minister by the King.
Burnham is expected to deliver his first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street after completing the official ceremony.
A veteran politician, Burnham has served as Culture Secretary, Health Secretary and Mayor of Greater Manchester, where his leadership helped strengthen his national reputation.
He now begins his tenure facing the task of appointing a new cabinet and addressing the country’s pressing political and economic challenges.
Burnham’s appointment also marks another chapter in the UK’s recent political upheaval, making him the seventh person to serve as Prime Minister in the past decade.
