Makerfield MP Andy Burnham became the UK's next prime minister on Monday afternoon14:09, 20 Jul 2026Updated 14:30, 20 Jul 2026ITV viewers were left saying the same thing as Andy Burnham became the prime minister.‌This Morning was cut down to an hour on Monday (July 20), as the broadcaster made way for an ITV News Special on the new prime minister.‌Tom Bradby presented the live coverage from outside 10 Downing Street, alongside political correspondent Robert Peston and Professor Jane Green. Meanwhile, ITV's Royal Editor Chris Ship was outside Buckingham Palace.‌The coverage began with Sir Keir Starmer addressing the nation on his last day in office, before heading to meet King Charles to officially hand in his resignation.Starmer's successor, Andy Burnham, soon arrived at the Palace to become the UK's fifth prime minister in four years.‌Downing Street quickly filled up with people, who were ready to welcome the new prime minister."We don't want to go too heavily into policy at the moment, because if you're watching this, this is sort of all about, really, the atmosphere at this point," Tom noted, ahead of Burnham's arrival.The News Special was broadcast from 11am to 1.30pm, followed by the ITV Lunchtime News, which also focused on Andy Burnham's appointment as prime minister. The BBC also dedicated much of its morning coverage to the events at Downing Street.‌Viewers were therefore quick to issue similar complaints about the coverage on ITV, as they felt that it went on for too long. Others weren't impressed by some of the comments made by the reporters."ITV on in the background. Just heard some twerp say, 'There's a carnival atmosphere here at Downing Street…' & I immediately had a bit of sick," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).Another added: "It really is quite funny, the media especially, just cannot contain themselves," while a third said: "Utterly cringe worthy." Someone else commented: "Like a bunch of giddy over-stimulated children who'd been eating sweets for three hours solid."‌Another similarly shared: "ITV news special for Burnham - drives me mad this s*** - media acts as though it's always monumental and historic when we get a new face as PM. When in truth it's seamless continuation of the status quo."Others were frustrated to see more news coverage follow the ITV News Special, with one person asking: "Do we really need all this coverage of people endlessly yapping about politics, and then the news is on straight after, ridiculous."Article continues belowMeanwhile, other viewers were delighted to see Andy Burnham enter 10 Downing Street, with one person writing: "Genuinely a great first speech from Andy Burnham." Another added: "Andy Burnham is officially Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Congratulations."A third said: "More than just talking about hope, Andy Burnham is actively looking to deliver hope for those with the least hope. This is a leader that gets it."During his first speech as prime minister, Andy Burnham promised a ten-year plan for the country, which aimed to help with the cost of living.