Andy Burnham officially became the seventh Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in a decade on Monday, 20 July 2026, and immediately set to work, announcing a new Cabinet, delivering a bold inaugural speech, and speaking with US President Donald Trump.
Formal Appointment and First Speech
The day began with a formal audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, after which Burnham delivered his maiden address on the steps of 10 Downing Street. In his speech, he pledged to provide early "breathing space" for families struggling with the cost of living crisis, committed to ending rough sleeping, and outlined a vision to "reindustrialise Britain." He promised "a new political model and a new economic model," stating: "Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again."
Burnham, the Member of Parliament for Makerfield, returned to Parliament in June after serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He was formally elected Leader of the Labour Party on Friday, 17 July, following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.
Transition and Starmer's Farewell
The official transition occurred after Sir Keir Starmer submitted his resignation to the King, who then invited Burnham to form a government. In his resignation address, Starmer said: "I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham. I wish him every success. He has my full support."
Burnham acknowledged public frustration with politics, stating: "I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you and I want to be honest with you – we have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be. We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years."
New Cabinet Appointments
The most significant appointment was Sir John Healey as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In a statement on X, Healey said: "It is the greatest privilege to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Prime Minister. Together, we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country. Time to get on with the job."
Other key appointments included former Labour leader Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper moving to the health portfolio, and Bridget Phillipson becoming Minister for Women and Equalities after being removed as Education Secretary. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner was appointed Housing Secretary. Louise Haigh, a close confidante who helped secure Burnham's path to No 10, became First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, with a troubleshooting remit across Whitehall. Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who stepped down from Starmer's government and supported Burnham's leadership bid, was named Defence Secretary on Monday evening.
Several senior figures retained their posts, including Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden.
International Outreach: Trump and World Leaders
Within an hour of entering No 10, Burnham spoke directly with US President Donald Trump. Trump subsequently posted on Truth Social, wishing Burnham "good luck" and stating: "He has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it. The US will be there to help."
Burnham also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. EU President Antonio Costa congratulated Burnham on X, saying: "In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our cooperation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses. The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together."
