Andy Burnham took the keys to 10 Downing Street on Monday, becoming Britain's seventh Prime Minister in just over a decade. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester completed a remarkable political comeback, having twice missed out on the Labour leadership previously.
Burnham's First Address as Prime Minister
Speaking outside No 10 without notes or a lectern, Burnham said: "I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last ten years to walk up this street, the seventh Prime Minister since 2016. Making this a moment for reflection and new resolution." He added: "It requires my generation of politicians to raise our game, and rise to the new challenge. Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again."
Burnham, known as the "King of the North," turned regional leadership into a route to Downing Street. He was accompanied by his wife Marie-France van Heel after an audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace. Wearing a suit and tie, he ended speculation he might deliver the speech in his trademark dark t-shirt and jacket.
Promises to Tackle Cost of Living and Restore Trust
The Makerfield MP used his first address to set out themes defining his premiership, pledging to "make this moment a circuit-breaker for Britain" and rebuild trust in politics. He claimed the country took "wrong turns in the 1980s" when "political power was centralised, economic power privatised, large parts of the country de-industrialised, and they still haven't recovered."
He told the nation: "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." Burnham promised a new wave of public ownership and a 10-year plan for Britain, saying: "We will take power out of here, and carry it into every postcode in the land so that they can do more. And in doing more, build a new economy, where we put life's essentials back under stronger public control to make them affordable to you again."
Farewell to Sir Keir Starmer
Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered his final speech outside No 10. He declared: "My work is done. In six-and-a-half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country, and won a landslide general election victory in 2024." He cited a stronger economy, improved public services, and children lifted out of poverty as achievements, urging Britain not to "succumb" to division before wishing Burnham well.
Sir Keir and Lady Starmer drove to Buckingham Palace, where he formally tendered his resignation to the King. The Changing of the Guard paused briefly as their car passed.
Burnham's First Duties and Homelessness Pledge
Upon taking office, Burnham received confidential briefings from senior civil servants on key issues, national security, and Whitehall machinery. Among his first duties was writing the letters of last resort for Britain's four nuclear submarines.
Number 10 announced details of Burnham's pledge to end rough sleeping, a flagship commitment. A £340 million package will fund the purchase of suitable homes, identify those most in need, and provide housing and support "without delay." The funding is expected to deliver 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 long-term rough sleepers over five years.
Scrutiny of Burnham's Record as Mayor
The announcement prompted scrutiny of Burnham's record as Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he pledged to "end rough sleeping by 2020." He set up 'A Bed Every Night' in 2018, donating 15% of his mayoral salary. However, rough sleeping persists, with 197 people recorded in 2025, up from 154 in autumn 2024 and 149 in 2023. Critics question how he will deliver regionally elusive results nationally.
Cabinet Reshuffle
Burnham's first day triggered a Cabinet shuffle. Former defence secretary John Healey was appointed Chancellor. Rachel Reeves was sacked, with speculation mounting for weeks that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood or Energy Secretary Ed Miliband might replace her. Mahmood remained Home Secretary, while Miliband became Foreign Secretary. Former Housing Secretary Steve Reed announced his departure, writing on X: "I hope those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you." Louise Haigh was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy and first secretary of state. Deputy PM David Lammy and Justice Secretary were also dismissed, as were Jo Stevens as Wales Secretary and Liz Kendall as Science and Tech Secretary.
Reeves said on X: "I said when I was appointed Chancellor that I would judge my time in office if the lives of ordinary working class people have been improved. I'm proud to say that they have."
Support from Allies
Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram, who co-authored Burnham's book Head North, said: "He's been like a little brother to me, it's a brilliant moment. There's some great bits [of policy]. I think when you see what the plan is, then most people will go, 'I see that. So that's why you want to do it a different way.'"
Burnham has pledged to stick to Labour's 2024 election manifesto while pursuing sweeping constitutional reforms, including devolution across England. The nation now watches to see if he can turn his comeback into real transformation and deliver meaningful change.
