London: Senior Labour Party leader Andy Burnham was on Monday sworn in as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, succeeding Keir Starmer after formally meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, was invited by the monarch to form a new government following the customary transfer of power. He accepted the invitation, officially taking office as Britain’s new prime minister, Buckingham Palace said.
His appointment makes Burnham the seventh British prime minister since 2016, underscoring the political changes the country has witnessed over the past decade.
Earlier, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered his farewell address outside 10 Downing Street, saying he had worked to strengthen the country during his tenure and wished the incoming government success.
Burnham, 56, has held several senior public offices, including Member of Parliament, Cabinet minister and Mayor of Greater Manchester. Widely known as the “King of the North” for championing the interests of northern England, he recently returned to Parliament through a by-election victory.
In his first remarks after assuming office, Burnham pledged to focus on national unity, economic recovery and people-centric governance as the UK grapples with mounting economic challenges.
