Andy Burnham delivers first speech as PM outside No 10: Live updates

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JON BRADY, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Updated: 15:07 BST, 20 July 2026

Andy Burnham is set to unveil his new cabinet after being becoming Britain's latest Prime Minister today.The Makerfield MP has become the country's seventh PM in a decade after Starmer bowed out two years into the job.Mr Burnham, 56 - the first Northern PM since Huddersfield-born Harold Wilson - set out his path for what he will call a 'more stable and responsible politics' in his first speech at Downing Street today.The traditional Labour Left is still clamouring for Ed Miliband to be made Chancellor, despite alarm from businesses and moderates - amid speculation that Shabana Mahmood will be given the role instead to avoid spooking the markets.But he continues to face calls to stage a general election, having been made PM without a mandate - and faces a momentous challenge in trying to convince voters in the south that he is the man for them.Polling conducted for the Daily Mail reveals that, outside of his Manchester stronghold, many question Mr Burnham's right to be PM after he effectively took power by stealth.His coronation comes just months after he was blocked from running as a candidate in February's Gordon and Denton by-election, which was won by the Green Party's Hannah Spencer, as Sir Keir sought to hold onto the keys to No 10.But the former Labour leader relented and the party's national executive committee allowed him to run in the Makerfield by-election last month, which he won with an outright majority.Follow our live blog for the latest updates throughout the day:Key UpdatesHow will 'ordinary bloke' Andy Burnham approach the war in Ukraine?Andy Burnham has vowed to 'be there' for Ukraine in the same vein as his predecessor, Keir Starmer.Speaking to broadcasters earlier today before he was formally appointed PM, Mr Burnham said he would speak to President Volodymyr Zelensky before the end of today to assure him that there is 'no change' in Britain's support.The self-styled 'normal man' said he already had experience of the war, having built a network of support for Ukrainian mayors.He said: 'I take all of that experience into my new role and President Zelensky will be left in no doubt whatsoever that Britain’s support is steadfast.'It is resolute. It will be there for him and I will be there for him personally too.'Mr Zelensky posted his own congratulations on X, wishing the new PM well.Donald Trump appears to be taking a greater interest in Andy Burnham following oil and gas U-turnUS President Donald Trump appears to be taking a much greater interest in the activities of Andy Burnham amid hints that the new PM could reverse Labour's ban on fresh oil and gas operations.Yesterday, the Mail on Sunday reported that Mr Burnham was set to announce plans for new drilling in the North Sea, at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields off the coast of Scotland.Responding to the reports, Mr Trump wrote on TruthSocial that the people of UK oil and gas capital Aberdeen would be 'dancing in the streets' and claimed the move would make Britain 'one of the richest countries anywhere in the world'.It's a change of tune for the President, who previously dismissed Mr Burnham as an 'extremely liberal' politician who he knew only as 'the mayor of a town'.Hugs for mum as Andy Burnham reaches Number 10 - but 'sadness' as his father could not see it for himselfAmong the people Andy Burnham greeted as he arrived at Downing Street was his mother Eileen, for whom he had an enormous hug prepared.Seeing your son become Prime Minister is a momentous occasion - but the occasion was likely tinged with sadness.Earlier, Mr Burnham revealed his father Roy wasn't aware that his son was about to become Prime Minister, as he is living with Alzhemier's. He was not able to share the moment in Downing Street earlier today.The new PM - for whom social care reform has been a political priority - told the Times of the situation: 'That's a sadness because he would be [proud]. The way I look at it, it's his achievement as well.'Read more about this story here: Scottish First Minister John Swinney hints he will ask Burnham for another independence referendumScottish First Minister John Swinney has hinted that he will seek to ask Andy Burnham for another referendum on independence as he congratulated the PM on his appointment.Mr Burnham has pledged to go further with devolution for the UK's regions, inspired by his model for Greater ManchesterSNP leader Mr Sweeney, who lost six MSPs and his absolute majority in a bruising set of elections in May, said in a statement that the UK faces 'a number of serious challenges' and that he looks forward to 'constructive talks' with Mr Burnham.'Just two months ago, the people of Scotland voted for my Government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living, ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS, and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence,' he said.'I look forward to constructive conversations with the new Prime Minister about how we make that happen.'Elsewhere, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth hailed what he saw as 'an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments'.'In that spirit, I hope we can speak the same language when it comes to devolving powers out of Westminster by strengthening, not bypassing, Wales’s national parliament and its ability to empower people and communities,' he added.Kemi Badenoch says she asked the Met to ban loudspeakers from Burnham's arrivalBritain's new Prime Minister had an unlikely ally as he made his maiden speech from the steps of Downing Street today: Kemi Badenoch.The Conservative leader says she wrote to the Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to ask for a ban on amplified music at the gates of Downing Street after Steve Bray, the 'Stop Brexit' protester, blasted EU anthem Ode to Joy during Keir Starmer's resignation speech.'Every Prime Minister deserves to be able to speak in Downing Street without being drowned out by "music",' she said on X as she revealed her efforts.The Met Police went on to impose a ban on amplified noise equipment in Whitehall for the morning - but it failed to stop one heckler from singing the tune at the top of their voice as Burnham made his first remarks to reporters.Andy Burnham insists he has the 'legitimacy' to be PM as he knocks back calls to hold a general electionAndy Burnham has insisted he has the 'legitimacy' to be PM amidst furious calls for him to hold a general election.Quizzed by Sky News' Beth Rigby on behalf of all news broadcasters on whether he had a mandate to deliver the seismic change he has promised, the new PM said did, as he was still sticking to Labour's manifesto.'We're in a parliamentary democracy and as we've seen through time if someone can command the majority of MPs in the House of Commons they then have the legitimacy to lead things forward.'And I will lead forward consistent with the manifesto, which also talked about change. And I now want to work on that platform that Keir Starmer has left to deliver that change.'He also admitted to Sky's political editor that he was 'nervous', telling her: 'It's obviously a big thing to step up in this way.'Everton Football Club hails the 'Toffee at No.10'Everton Football Club has congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister.Posting on X, alongside a photo of Mr Burnham and manager David Moyes from his previous stint in charge, the club said: 'A Toffee at No.10.'Congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming the UK's Prime Minister. A lifelong Evertonian, long-time Hillsborough Law campaigner, regular SFoodbanks donor and @EITC fundraiser.'Wishing you nothing but the best in your new role, @andyburnham'.Take water industry into public ownership, say Greens The Green Party has called for Andy Burnham to impose rent controls, take the water industry into public ownership and introduce wealth taxes.Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: 'We need action on sky high rents, with rent controls, we need to end the rip off and take water into actual public ownership, not tinkering with the existing failed model as is being suggested.'We need wealth taxes as a first step towards tackling gross inequality and getting serious investment into our economy and public services.'They said Mr Burnham 'has talked about ending the 40-year failed experiment of Thatcherism, but he looks likely to appoint a chancellor who appears to have been chosen on the demands of bankers on the basis of little change', in what appeared to be a reference to reports that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will be appointed to the Treasury post.European leaders congratulate Burnham on becoming PM