Andy Burnham becomes Britain's seventh prime minister in decade as Starmer delivers farewell address

Andy Burnham takes office as Britain's seventh prime minister in ten years on Monday. He pledges to rewire the country so it focuses more sharply on everyday concerns including the cost-of-living squeeze and faltering public services.

His Labor colleague Keir Starmer delivered a final speech outside 10 Downing Street. He told supporters his work was complete and that he was stepping aside with good grace and a smile.

Once Starmer formally resigns to King Charles the monarch will summon Burnham to invite him to become prime minister.

The real challenges now begin for the 56-year-old former mayor of Greater Manchester who earned the nickname King of the North.

After unveiling his cabinet already a topic of lively discussion inside the governing Labor Party he must confront sluggish economic growth the cost-of-living squeeze and struggling utility companies.

Burnham to outline fresh government direction

Starmer who was removed by Labor lawmakers roughly a month earlier described his time in office as the privilege of his life. He passed the baton to Burnham and wished him every success.

He has my full support Starmer added.

Within about an hour Burnham was due to address the nation from the steps of Number 10. His office said the speech would chart a course toward more stable and responsible politics.

He intended to frame the moment as one of reflection and to stress the need for honesty about Britain's difficulties. Only political stability he planned to argue can bring real improvements.

On Friday Burnham called his election as Labor leader the most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years.

He vowed to overhaul the political system swiftly raise living standards and turn a nation eager for change into one where life is more affordable and every person and place moves forward.

The message was aimed at Labor lawmakers who view him as one of the few figures able to counter the rise of Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK a threat they believed the unpopular Starmer could not meet.

Burnham tells Labor to disregard rumors

Burnham's first task is to name his cabinet especially the finance minister. Past governments have fallen when that key partnership soured.

Energy security and net zero minister Ed Miliband was once seen as a leading candidate yet hostile briefings have emerged. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood now appears the frontrunner.

Burnham urged his party on Friday to ignore speculation and said he had not yet chosen his team.

His first policy moves will also draw close attention.

On Sunday the government dropped plans requiring every employee to carry a digital identity document. Lawmakers from all parties had labeled the scheme a fiasco.

Further scrutiny will fall on choices about taxation spending oil and gas and underperforming utilities where Burnham seeks greater public oversight.

Thames Water the country's largest water firm carries heavy debt and faces criticism over repeated sewage discharges.

On Sunday Deputy Labor Leader Lucy Powell a Burnham ally suggested Thames Water could be placed under special measures and run under government direction.

He wants to refocus and reprioritize the government's resources and attention onto his priorities of tackling the cost of living and really rewiring the way the country and the economy work she told Sky News.