Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester and Labour’s new leader, is expected to complete the final steps today (Monday) toward becoming Britain’s prime minister, making him the country’s seventh premier in the last decade. He will replace Keir Starmer, whose tenure lasted just two years before he was forced to resign following significant pressure from his party after a series of missteps and policy reversals.
1+Starmer is expected to travel later today (Monday) from 10 Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to formally notify King Charles III of his resignation. Shortly after, 56-year-old Burnham will arrive at the palace, where King Charles will ask him to form a new government. This is the moment he will officially become prime minister, in a ceremony known as “kissing hands”—though no actual kissing takes place.
Burnham, who returned to Parliament in June after winning a special election, served in Labour governments two decades ago. He has pledged to implement “Manchesterism” on a national scale, promoting economic growth and transferring powers from the central government to local and regional leaders. He vows to restore a sense of hope to British politics, but will need to convince a skeptical public that he has the ability to improve their lives.
1+Starmer’s resignation came after dismal results in May’s local elections, forcing the Labour Party to take the “nuclear option” and oust him. In Britain, parties can replace leaders mid-term without calling general elections, with the next election not expected until 2029—though Burnham could call one earlier if he wishes.
At 10 Downing Street, dozens of journalists and photographers gathered outside the famous black door ahead of the day’s events. Burnham is also expected to meet Larry the Cat, the residence’s most famous permanent occupant since 2011, who has outlasted six previous prime ministers. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police banned the use of loudspeakers by protesters outside Downing Street during certain hours, in an attempt to prevent disruptions to official speeches.