Andy Burnham to become UK prime minister, as Keir Starmer set to give final No 10 address
Andy Burnham is set to become the UK Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer following a leadership transition. Burnham plans to initiate a 'listening tour' across the UK to address regional economic concerns.
Why it matters
Represents a significant shift in UK executive leadership and signals a change in political focus toward regional economic recovery.
Andy Burnham arrives at a special conference of the Labour Party in London, Britain, on July 17, 2026. Britain's Labour Party announced Friday that Andy Burnham has been confirmed as its leader. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Andy Burnham will become the UK's prime minister today, replacing Keir Starmer.
Starmer will deliver his final address as PM shortly, before he and Burnham visit King Charles in Buckingham Palace.
The new prime minister will then give his own speech in Downing Street - he will promise "more breathing room" for Britain, while arguing for a more "stable and responsible" politics.
Once Burnham is in office, he will begin hiring and firing ministers - prisons minister Lord Timpson resigned this morning.
Downing Street is packed with media this morning ahead of the change of prime ministers.
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