Andy Burnham has been officially confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party and will become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in three days. The former Greater Manchester Mayor, born in Merseyside, was announced at a special conference in London on Friday.
Burnham's Inevitable Rise to Power
Mr Burnham's victory in replacing Sir Keir Starmer has felt inevitable since his commanding win in the Makerfield by-election, which followed disastrous local election results for Labour. More than 90% of Labour MPs publicly supported him, and no other candidates entered the race, eliminating the need for a public vote among party members.
Sir Keir announced his resignation on June 22 after losing support from his ministers and MPs, triggering the leadership election. Mr Burnham, who grew up in Culcheth, Cheshire, will officially become the country's next Prime Minister on Monday.
Transition of Power
Sir Keir Starmer will deliver his final address as Labour leader before going to see King Charles to resign. Mr Burnham will then make a similar trip to ask the monarch for permission to form a government, followed by his first speech to the nation as Prime Minister from Downing Street.
Devolution and Number 10 North
While specific policies remain limited, Mr Burnham has been clear about pushing power away from Westminster. He plans to create a new 'Number 10 North' – an arm of the Prime Minister's office based in Manchester – focused on devolving power around the country.
