Burnham becomes UK prime minister after King Charles invites him to form government

LONDON (MNTV) – Labour Party leader Andy Burnham became Britain’s new prime minister on Monday after King Charles III invited him to form a government, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Burnham arrived at Buckingham Palace shortly after Keir Starmer formally resigned as prime minister.

Following his audience with the king, Burnham was asked to form a new government, officially marking the start of his premiership.

In his first address as prime minister outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to unveil a new 10-year plan for Britain.

“This moment will be a circuit breaker for Britain,” he said.

He announced that his government would begin outlining cost-of-living measures from Tuesday, while also pledging to build more council homes and uphold Britain’s defense commitments.

Burnham also said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump would be the first foreign leaders he contacts after taking office.

“I’ll be making very clear later today to President Zelenskyy that there is no change. I will be with him 100%, as Keir Starmer has been,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, Starmer delivered his final speech as prime minister outside Downing Street, declaring: “My work is done.”

He wished Burnham “every success” as his successor and thanked Downing Street staff, as well as his wife, Victoria, for their support during his time in office.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “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.”