Andy Burnham appointed Britain’s seventh Prime Minister in a decade

Andy Burnham becomes UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade, pledges focus on cost of living and public services.

Burnham has become the United Kingdom’s seventh prime minister in just 10 years after being invited by King Charles III to form a new government, ushering in another chapter of political change in Britain.

The 56-year-old Labour politician succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after two years in office.

In a farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his “work is done” before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to the King.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, pledged to restore stability and place the welfare of ordinary people at the centre of his administration.

Nicknamed the “King of the North” for his outspoken advocacy of northern England during his time as mayor, he served as a Labour MP from 2001 to 2017 and held ministerial positions under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

In his first remarks as prime minister, Burnham promised to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve struggling public services and launch a 10-year national renewal plan.

He also vowed to expand the construction of council homes and said his first instruction upon entering Downing Street would be to end rough sleeping across the country.

“This is a moment for reflection and new resolution,” Burnham said. “I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do. Let’s build a new national sense of unity, common purpose and positivity.”

On foreign policy, Burnham pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, saying one of his first calls as prime minister would be to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, followed by United States President Donald Trump.

Although he has limited experience in international affairs, Burnham said his work with Ukrainian mayors while leading Greater Manchester had strengthened his commitment to Kyiv.

“I will be with President Zelenskyy 100 percent,” he said. “Britain’s support is steadfast and resolute.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin congratulated Burnham, describing him as “a great champion of deeper links between Ireland and Britain” and expressing confidence that the two governments would continue strengthening cooperation through the UK-Ireland Summits and the Good Friday Agreement.

Burnham also signalled a shift in Labour’s position on Gaza, acknowledging the party’s earlier response to the conflict had fallen short.

He reiterated his support for stronger sanctions against those responsible for atrocities and said Britain should have moved more quickly to call for a ceasefire.

Political analysts say Burnham’s appointment represents Labour’s attempt to restore stability after Starmer’s abrupt departure.

Professor Patrick Diamond of Queen Mary University of London said the party could not afford another leadership crisis and would now look to Burnham to deliver on his promises of decentralising power and rebuilding public confidence.

Burnham becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, following David Cameron (2010–2016), Theresa May (2016–2019), Boris Johnson (2019–2022), Liz Truss (2022), Rishi Sunak (2022–2024), Keir Starmer (2024–2026) and now Andy Burnham (2026–), underscoring an extraordinary period of political turnover at the highest level of government.