Monday, July 20, 2026 - 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.
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