Andy Burnham has assumed office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and announced a 10-year national reform plan to address the cost of living crisis amid the country's economic slowdown.
On Monday, 20 Jul 2026 GMT+7, 56-year-old Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Manchester known as the "King of the North," met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to officially become the UK's new Prime Minister, making him the seventh PM since 2016.
Burnham held a press conference at 10 Downing Street, the UK government's headquarters and the Prime Minister's residence, pledging to introduce a "new political model" to restore stability and economic growth through a 10-year plan aimed at alleviating the cost of living crisis and more.
The new Prime Minister stated that his plan includes immediate short-term measures to rapidly assist the public in coping with the cost of living crisis.
He also set the ultimate goal of "ending homelessness on the streets" and announced plans to revive domestic industries through government procurement and accelerate the construction of additional public housing.
On foreign policy, Burnham revealed plans to directly contact U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reaffirming full support for Ukraine going forward.
However, Burnham assumes power amid numerous constraints and challenges ahead of the next general election in 2029, including economic and fiscal crises, managing a sluggish economy, high public debt, and strict financial regulations balancing state spending and tax revenue.
Additionally, social and immigration issues persist, such as unemployment crises, rising welfare costs, and illegal boat immigration, which have boosted the popularity of Nigel Farage's far-right Reform UK party, known for its anti-immigration stance.
Domestic factors include energy price volatility due to the U.S.-Iran conflict and political uncertainty in the U.S. under Donald Trump's leadership.
Burnham became Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation in June after scandals and multiple policy reversals; before stepping down, Starmer asserted he left the UK "stronger and fairer" than two years prior.
The Labour Party chose Burnham—who had just returned as an MP four weeks earlier after previously serving as an MP and minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown—believing his approachable and relatable style would be crucial in countering Reform UK's rising popularity.
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Source:cna