Andy Burnham to become UK prime minister - live updates
Andy Burnham has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following the resignation of Keir Starmer. He has begun forming his Cabinet and has already held initial discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
This leadership transition marks the sixth change in UK prime minister in a decade, signaling significant political instability and a shift in the governing Labour Party's strategy.
The country’s sixth prime minister in a decade is getting going — picking his Cabinet, and calling Donald Trump. Follow along live.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham gives his first speech in front of No. 10 Downing St. in central London on July 20, 2026. | Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images Live July 20, 2026 9:00 am CET By POLITICO LONDON — Britain got (another) new prime minister Monday: Andy Burnham.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester — who succeeded Keir Starmer as leader of the U.K.’s governing Labour Party last week — has begun naming his top team after King Charles III asked him to form a government.
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