Burnham Confirmed as U.K. Prime Minister, Vows Biggest Change in 40 Years

To Enter Downing Street on July 20

Andy Burnham, a lawmaker from Britain’s ruling Labour Party, was elected party leader on July 17, confirming him as the country’s next prime minister. In the U.K., the leader of the governing party typically serves as prime minister.

Labour confirmed Burnham as its new leader at a special party conference that day. In his first speech as leader, he pledged to deliver “the biggest moment of change in British politics in 40 years.” He said Britain had turned its back on working-class communities and promised to restore hope to the public. Burnham will succeed Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The focus is now on whether Burnham can revive Labour’s fortunes. Starmer became one of Britain’s most unpopular prime ministers after friction within the party and failed economic policies, and Labour recently suffered a string of heavy election defeats. Burnham is one of Labour’s more popular figures, known for his charisma and accessible speaking style. He also spent nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester, where he built a record in local administration. Burnham is considered more left-leaning than Starmer, but he is also regarded as a moderate within Labour. He has close ties across the party’s factions, giving him a solid base of support.

In his acceptance speech, Burnham stressed that he would be a “pro-business Labour leader.” He has previously described his economic approach as “pro-business socialism.” The idea is for the government to set rules and standards for essential services while still using private companies to operate them.

As part of his economic agenda, Burnham called for greater public control over essential services. He said Britain had exposed people to higher costs by giving up control of key sectors including housing, water, energy and transport. During his time as mayor of Greater Manchester, he experimented with policies including a quasi-public bus system and promoted what he called “Manchesterism,” arguing that the model should be expanded across the country. He also signaled support for greater regional devolution, saying he would “give every part of Britain a voice.”

Burnham is due to formally take office as prime minister on July 20.

Kim Mi-ri, Hankyung.com reporter mirimiri@hankyung.com