Trending 
Andy Burnham is set to become Britain’s next prime minister after taking over as leader of the ruling Labour Party, promising what he has described as a “new path” for the country after years of political instability.
Burnham will formally replace Keir Starmer at a special Labour conference on Friday, following Starmer’s resignation last month after a turbulent period marked by policy setbacks, controversies and declining public support.
Because Labour still holds a large majority in parliament after its 2024 general election victory, Burnham will assume the premiership without the need for a national vote.
The former Manchester mayor has returned to frontline politics after a nine-year absence from parliament, winning a by-election on June 18 that opened the door for his leadership bid. He will become Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, with Labour lawmakers hoping his popularity can help the party counter the growing influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which has gained support ahead of the next election expected in 2029.
Known as the “King of the North” after three successful terms as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham has built his political identity around transferring more powers from Westminster to cities and regions. His plans include establishing a “No. 10 North” office to strengthen regional decision-making and economic development.
In excerpts from his first major speech, Burnham said Britain had taken “a series of wrong turns in the 1980s” when “political power was centralised and economic power privatised.”
He added that improving living standards across the country would require “a new path to the one we’ve been on for the last 40 years.”
A member of Labour’s soft-left faction, Burnham has supported greater public involvement in essential services and policies focused on rebuilding industrial capacity. His leadership marks his third attempt to take control of the party after unsuccessful bids in 2010 and 2015.
Burnham, who served as a member of parliament from 2001 to 2017 and held several government positions, has reshaped his public image through a more informal style and direct engagement with voters.
During a public “Ask Andy Anything” session in Cardiff, he spoke about his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and said his experience had strengthened his commitment to expanding support for social care. He has also pledged to increase public housing construction as part of efforts to address homelessness.
However, critics have accused him of avoiding difficult questions from the media, a challenge he will face as he prepares to govern.
Burnham takes office inheriting many of the issues that affected Starmer’s administration, including a struggling economy, rising borrowing costs, pressure on public services and concerns over irregular migration.
He has promised to maintain Labour’s 2024 election commitments, including avoiding increases to the country’s main taxes. However, his government will need to find new funding sources to address a £4.7 billion gap in defence spending plans and manage difficult decisions on welfare reform.
After meeting King Charles III, Burnham will begin his premiership facing expectations that he can restore public confidence while delivering the change he has promised.
