Prime Minister Andy Burnham remarked that politicians “need to be better” during his inaugural speech on Monday as the new leader of the United Kingdom.
Issued on: 20/07/2026 – 15:42
2 min Reading time
Burnham was officially appointed Britain’s new prime minister on Monday after King Charles III formally requested that he form a new government at Buckingham Palace.
The “kissing hands” ceremony marked the formal transition of power.
While the monarch officially appoints the prime minister, the role remains largely ceremonial.
This transition follows Friday’s leadership contest, in which Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as leader of the governing Labour Party.
Under the British parliamentary system, a governing party may replace its leader—and consequently its prime minister—without the necessity of a general election.
At 56, Burnham becomes the seventh prime minister to serve the United Kingdom since 2016.
“This is a moment for reflection and new resolution,” Burnham stated outside 10 Downing Street following his appointment.
New direction
He committed to introducing a 10-year national plan, emphasizing the urgent need to restore faith in the political process.
“Britain needs to demonstrate to the world that we can regain our stability once again,” Burnham remarked.
His platform includes ending homelessness, elevating living standards, and reducing political toxicity. He also promised a “circuit breaker” for a political and economic framework he claims has been declining since the 1980s.
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester ran as the sole candidate in the Labour leadership contest, securing the support of 379 out of the party’s 403 MPs.
Focus now shifts to Burnham’s forthcoming Cabinet appointments, with significant changes expected in several senior government roles.
Starmer: ‘My work is done’
Burnham takes over from Keir Starmer, who resigned after losing parliamentary support following a series of political challenges.
Prior to his departure for Buckingham Palace, Starmer defended his tenure.
“My work is done,” Starmer declared, maintaining that Britain was “stronger and fairer” two years ago than it is today.
“I depart with grace and pride in everything we have achieved,” he added.
Starmer’s leadership spanned from a significant electoral loss in 2019 to a decisive landslide victory in the 2024 general election.
In his final parliamentary address, he highlighted his administration’s support for Ukraine, enhancements to employment rights, initiatives to combat child poverty, and increased defense spending.
On July 14, French President Emmanuel Macron conferred the Legion d’honneur upon Starmer during a meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” an alliance formed by the two leaders to support Ukraine following the Russian invasion.