Burak Bir
20 July 2026•Update: 20 July 2026
Labour Party leader Andy Burnham has become the new British prime minister, Buckingham Palace confirmed Monday.
Burnham arrived at Buckingham Palace just after Keir Starmer officially resigned as prime minister.
During his meeting with King Charles III, Burnham was asked to form a new government.
In his first speech as British premier, Burnham said he will set out a new 10-year plan for the country.
"This moment will be a circuit breaker for Britain," he added.
He said that cost of living measures will be outlined from tomorrow, while pledging to build more council homes and honor defense commitments.
Burnham also stressed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump would be his "first calls" after taking office.
“I'll be making very clear later today to President Zelenskyy that, you know, there is no change. I will be with him 100%, as Keir Starmer has been,” he said.
Earlier Monday, Starmer made his final speech as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street, and said: "My work is done."
He wished his successor Burnham "every success," and thanked Downing Street staff and his wife Victoria for their support.
"Sir Keir Starmer MP had an audience of The King this morning and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept," the palace said in a statement.
