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Andy Burnham will become Britain’s next prime minister on Friday after being confirmed as leader of the ruling Labour Party, succeeding Keir Starmer, who resigned last month following months of political turmoil and mounting pressure.
Labour’s large parliamentary majority, secured in the 2024 general election, means Burnham will automatically become prime minister without a new national vote.
Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, returned to Parliament only four weeks ago after a nine-year absence and quickly secured overwhelming support from Labour lawmakers. With the backing of 379 of the party’s 403 MPs and no challenger emerging, he will become the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade.
In his first leadership speech, Burnham is expected to call for “a new path” for Britain, arguing that decades of political centralisation and economic policies have failed many parts of the country. He is expected to pledge greater powers for cities and regions, including plans to establish a “No. 10 North” office to help drive economic growth outside London.
Nicknamed the “King of the North” after winning three consecutive terms as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham has built his reputation on regional development, public services and social welfare. He has also pledged to increase investment in social care and expand public housing to address homelessness.
Labour MPs hope Burnham can reconnect the party with voters and counter the growing popularity of Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK, which opinion polls suggest could pose a major challenge at the next general election expected in 2029.
Burnham takes office at a difficult time, inheriting a sluggish economy, high borrowing costs, rising pressure over illegal migration and growing demands for increased defence spending. He has pledged to stick to Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, including its commitment not to raise the country’s main taxes, while seeking alternative ways to fund government priorities.
Burnham is expected to formally take office after meeting King Charles III later on Friday.