Andy Burnham becomes UK’s Prime Minister after meeting with the King

Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after King Charles III invited him to form a government following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

Burnham was appointed on Monday, July 20, after the King accepted Starmer’s resignation during an audience at Buckingham Palace before inviting the former Greater Manchester mayor and Labour leader to become the country’s new prime minister.

Before travelling to Buckingham Palace, Starmer delivered his farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, where he said, “My work is done,” while reflecting on his time in office and pledging his “full support” to his successor.

The outgoing prime minister cited what he described as key achievements of his administration, including improvements to the economy, reductions in NHS waiting times, falling immigration levels and a stronger international standing for the United Kingdom.

“Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day. Immigration is down significantly. Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing and our international reputation is greatly enhanced,” Starmer said.

He also urged Britons to remain confident in the country’s future, praising the public’s “resolve, grit, decency and compassion” and expressing hope that Britain could become a nation where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Burnham arrived at Buckingham Palace with his wife, Marie-France van Heel, before meeting the King, who formally invited him to form a government.

The new prime minister is expected to deliver his first address to the nation from Downing Street, where he will acknowledge becoming the UK’s sixth prime minister in 10 years and call for a return to “stable and responsible” politics. He is also expected to announce his new Cabinet and unveil a series of policy initiatives.