New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun forming an updated government on his very first day in office, declaring the need for radical reforms to overcome the country’s political instability and economic challenges.
Speaking on Downing Street, the 56-year-old Burnham, often referred to as the “King of the North,” emphasised that his government would be a “circuit-breaker” in British history. “We will carry out the biggest changes in the last 40 years,” he stated, promising to focus on decentralisation of power, regional revival, tackling homelessness, and implementing a new economic model.
Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after two years in power amid criticism over economic difficulties and internal scandals within the Labour Party. Burnham thus becomes the seventh Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the last ten years.
According to sources, appointments of key ministers have already begun. Among the first decisions are retaining Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary and appointing Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. Further appointments are expected in the coming days, which could significantly shift the balance of power in the Cabinet compared to the previous government.
In his first speech, Burnham highlighted his priorities: combating homelessness, fulfilling international defence commitments, supporting the regions, and reindustrialising the economy. He also pledged to make politics “work better” for ordinary Britons and to restore stability after a period of turbulence.
Political analysts note that Burnham’s rise marks a shift in the Labour Party towards “Manchesterism” — an emphasis on local governance, investment in the regions, and a rejection of excessive centralisation of power in Westminster.
The international reaction to Burnham’s appointment has been largely positive. US President Donald Trump has already held a phone conversation with the new British Prime Minister, describing him as “very good.”