Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister on July 20, succeeding Keir Starmer after a rapid leadership transition within the governing Labour Party.
The 56-year-old former mayor of Greater Manchester is expected to be invited by King Charles III to form a government after Starmer formally tenders his resignation at Buckingham Palace. Burnham will become the seventh British prime minister in the past decade and the fifth in the last four years, highlighting a prolonged period of political turnover in the country, British media reports.
Burnham’s appointment follows a turbulent 10 weeks for Labour after the party suffered heavy losses in local elections in England and parliamentary votes in Scotland and Wales in May. Although Starmer had repeatedly insisted he would remain in office, he announced his resignation on June 22 after losing the confidence of Labour lawmakers and cabinet colleagues. His departure also came amid declining public support, with opinion polls placing his approval rating at around 18%.
Burnham, who returned to Parliament only weeks ago, was elected Labour leader unopposed on July 17 after securing the nominations of 379 of the party’s 403 MPs, as well as the backing of all affiliated trade unions.
Speaking after his election as Labour leader, Burnham pledged to deliver “the most significant political changes in the last 40 years.”
His proposed domestic agenda includes abandoning plans for a mandatory government-issued digital identity system, supporting new oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, bringing water and energy companies under public ownership, and expanding the construction of municipally owned housing. Analysts, however, note that he has yet to present a detailed foreign and defence policy agenda.
Before leaving Downing Street, Starmer addressed supporters, saying he was on his way to Buckingham Palace to submit his resignation.
"My work is done," he said.
As he prepared to hand over power, Starmer added: "I wish him every success, he has my full support."
The outgoing prime minister also thanked his family, Labour colleagues, civil servants, and the British public.
"Politics will always be a team sport," he said. "And I thank the British people for the opportunity to serve."
By Sabina Mammadli
Source: caliber.az
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