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Britain entered a new political chapter on Monday as Andy Burnham officially became prime minister following Keir Starmer’s resignation. In his first speech outside Downing Street, Burnham acknowledged public frustration with politics and promised a “circuit breaker for Britain”, outlining a government focused on lowering the cost of living, strengthening public services and spreading economic growth beyond Westminster. He also began appointing his cabinet and held his first call with a foreign leader, U.S. President Donald Trump.
Details
- Britain’s new leader: Burnham became Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade after Keir Starmer stepped down. The former Greater Manchester mayor is also the country’s first openly Roman Catholic prime minister and said his government would mark a “circuit breaker for Britain.”
- Reform agenda: The new prime minister pledged cost-of-living support, a 10-year economic plan, more council housing, an end to rough sleeping, social care reform and greater devolution through his proposed “No. 10 North”. He also said he would review the tax-free personal allowance ahead of his first Budget while maintaining the government’s fiscal rules.
- Cabinet changes: Burnham immediately began reshaping his government. Rachel Reeves left the Treasury after declining another senior cabinet role, while David Lammy, Steve Reed and Peter Kyle also exited government as the new prime minister assembled his top team.
- Foreign policy: Burnham’s first call as prime minister was with U.S. President Donald Trump. Before taking office, he said he would work with Trump while being open about areas of disagreement as the two countries navigate issues including trade, defence and international conflicts.
What Else
Burnham is expected to complete his cabinet appointments before unveiling his promised cost-of-living package on Tuesday, giving the first detailed indication of his government’s economic priorities. His first Budget and plans for housing, social care and greater devolution will provide an early test of how quickly his administration can deliver the reforms promised on its first day in office.
Messages of congratulations have continued to arrive from abroad following Burnham’s appointment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among the first leaders to welcome Britain’s new prime minister, signalling an early willingness to work with his new government.
