Veteran Labour Party politician and popular former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is set to become Britain’s next prime minister on Monday, formally taking over from Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation last month.
What to know: Britain’s political turbulence gives way, at least temporarily, to smooth choreography when Andy Burnham takes office as prime minister, succeeding the departing Labour leader Keir Starmer, the seventh U.K. prime minister since 2016.Britain’s parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders, and thus prime ministers, without the need for a general election. Burnham was the only candidate in the contest to become Labour’s new leader. The next national poll doesn’t have to be held until 2029, though Burnham can call one sooner if he wants.Starmer will travel the mile from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to formally tell King Charles III that he’s resigning. Soon after, the 56-year-old Burnham will go to the palace and Charles will ask him to form a government. That’s when he will officially become prime minister, a moment known as “kissing hands.”
It’s moving day at Downing Street
It’s a day of action at Downing Street, the British prime minister’s official residence.Departing leader Keir Starmer will give a short farewell speech before going to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III. The king will then invite new Labour Party leader Andy Burnham to the palace and ask him to form a government.Burnham will then address the nation for the first time as prime minister in front of the famous black door of 10 Downing St.Labour is hoping Burnham’s arrival will signal an end to the rapid turnover of U.K. leaders. He will be the country’s seventh prime minister since 2016.
