A new era began on Monday as Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister, sealing his appointment during a formal audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
Burnham takes the reins from Sir Keir Starmer, whose stormy two-year tenure officially came to an end when he tendered his resignation to the Monarch earlier that morning.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the transfer of power in a statement, saying: “His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration.”
The Palace said Burnham accepted the King’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.
Burnham becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, following a prolonged period of political upheaval. His appointment was also independently confirmed by the Associated Press.
The former Greater Manchester mayor returned to Parliament in June before emerging unopposed as Labour leader with overwhelming support from the party’s MPs.
In his final address outside Downing Street, Starmer declared that his “work is done” and pledged his full support to his successor.
Burnham is expected to begin forming his Cabinet immediately and deliver his first address as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street.
He has promised a 10-year plan to tackle Britain’s structural problems, restore political stability and give households “more breathing room” amid the cost-of-living crisis.
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