Andy Burnham has officially become Britain’s new Prime Minister after King Charles III invited him to form a government during an audience at Buckingham Palace on Monday, 20th July, 2026.
Burnham succeeds Sir Keir Starmer, who earlier tendered his resignation to the King following two turbulent years in office.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the transfer of power in a statement, saying: “His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration.”
The Palace said Burnham accepted the King’s offer and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.
Burnham becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, following a prolonged period of political upheaval.
His appointment was also independently confirmed by the Associated Press.
The former Greater Manchester Mayor returned to Parliament in June before emerging unopposed as Labour leader with overwhelming support from the party’s MPs.
