With Andy Burnham (56), the United Kingdom officially has a new Prime Minister as of today, July 20. King Charles III (77) received the successor to the resigned Keir Starmer (63) for the first time on Monday at Buckingham Palace.
"His Majesty received the Rt. Hon. Andrew Burnham MP in audience and requested him to form a new government", the Court announced on Instagram among other platforms. A photo was also published showing Burnham and Charles shaking hands. The mandate to form a government, which the Labour politician received through the meeting, officially makes him the new Prime Minister.
Shortly after 12 noon British time, Burnham arrived at the Palace with his spouse Marie-France van Heel; Starmer had been bid farewell there by Charles just minutes earlier. Van Heel was also received by the King.
Andy Burnham moves into 10 Downing Street
Meanwhile, numerous supporters gathered in front of the Prime Minister's official residence. In front of the house at 10 Downing Street, Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester, was then greeted with thunderous applause alongside his spouse, as the British BBC reports.
In front of the famous black door on Downing Street, Burnham then delivered his first speech as Prime Minister. "Caring for people will be at the heart of everything I do", he declared among other things. He wanted to give his all and build a new sense of unity across the country. This should be the moment when Britain starts to believe again and hope is restored.
After a kiss for his wife, the couple entered the building for the first time. There was a little chat with the staff before a mountain of work awaits the new Prime Minister. Starting tomorrow, he wants to present plans and their possible financing to give citizens more financial leeway against the backdrop of high cost of living. He also wants to present a ten-year plan later in the year.
