Keir Starmer Says He Is Leaving "With A Smile" and "Good Grace" In Final Speech As PM
Burnham officially becomes Prime Minister after Starmer's resignation, inheriting economic challenges and pledging to restore political stability.
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Andy Burnham officially took office as U.K. Prime Minister in London, succeeding Keir Starmer as the seventh prime minister since 2016.
- Starmer resigned last month following missteps and judgment errors, prompting Burnham to secure the leadership as the sole candidate with 379 of 403 Labour lawmakers' nominations.
- Following the traditional 'kissing hands' ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Burnham pledged to make politics "less toxic" and "improve living standards across the country," emphasizing he is "acutely aware" of recent leadership turnover.
- Burnham immediately reshuffled his Cabinet, appointing Doncaster MP Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary and Rotherham MP John Healey as Chancellor while dismissing David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, and Peter Kyle.
- Generating significant economic growth is essential to Burnham's success, as analysts warn the lack of growth is holding the country back; the Prime Minister must deliver a new political and economic model.
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The message he tried to convey was that the change of leadership is not another crisis for the country, but an opportunity to restart.
To take office, the new Premier Burnham makes a loose impression. Many British want a close-to-government leader after the sober starmer. But it won't be easy for Burnham either, Franziska Hopfen writes.[more]]>
Andy Burnham Officially Becomes UK Prime Minister, the Country’s Seventh Leader Since 2016
Andy Burnham has officially become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. King Charles III appointed the Labour leader on Monday, 20 July 2026, after outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer formally tendered his resignation at Buckingham Palace. Burnham subsequently arrived at 10 Downing Street and delivered his first speech as prime minister, saying that he had accepted the King’s invitation to form a government. He is the seventh person to…
Three ways Andy Burnham can avoid Keir Starmer's mistakes
The Notebook, where the City’s movers and shakers have their say. Today Michael Martins shares his tips for the new cabinet and explains why he’s become obsessed with unhinged neighbours As you walk into No. 10 today, you are about to inherit all of former PM Starmer’s problems and none of his excuses, so take a beat. Parliament is in recess and some of the media are on holiday, meaning less pressure on you (for now). That in mind, here’s what I…
Andy Burnham sworn in as UK's latest PM
Britain's newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham waves outside 10 Downing Street with his wife Marie-France van Heel after taking office, in London. Photo: Reuters Andy Burnham has become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, pledging to reshape its politics to deliver a new economic model and revive a nation "fed up" with a revolving door of leaders.
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