Andy Burnham Becomes UK Prime Minister After Meeting King Charles III

Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after King Charles III invited him to form a new government at Buckingham Palace, following the resignation of Keir Starmer.

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace confirmed that the monarch met Burnham and formally requested him to form a new administration.

“The King received in audience The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. Mr Burnham accepted His Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” the palace said.

Burnham’s wife, Marie-France van Heel, accompanied him to the palace for the historic meeting.

His appointment followed the resignation of Keir Starmer, who stepped down after leading the Labour government for two years. Starmer had earlier submitted his resignation to King Charles III after delivering a farewell address outside 10 Downing Street.

In his final speech as prime minister, Starmer described leading the country as “the privilege of my life.”

“I go with good grace. I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything we have achieved,” he said.

Reflecting on his administration, Starmer expressed confidence in the country’s progress during his tenure.

“I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago,” he said.

He argued that the UK economy had strengthened under his leadership, public service waiting times had reduced, immigration had declined significantly, while the country’s defence and international standing had improved.

Starmer also warned of growing global threats.

“We face a world now where our enemies will stop at nothing to divide us because of our values, our freedom, our decency, and frankly, because of our unflinching resolve towards the brave people of Ukraine,” he said.

The outgoing prime minister pledged his support for Burnham’s administration.

“I now pass the baton,” Starmer said.

“He has my full support. I wish him every success.”

Buckingham Palace later confirmed that King Charles III had “graciously accepted” Starmer’s resignation before appointing Burnham as the country’s new prime minister.

Burnham, who emerged as leader of the governing Labour Party after Starmer’s resignation on Friday, is expected to deliver his first address as prime minister from Downing Street before meeting government officials to begin forming his administration.