Key facts
- Andy Burnham will become the UK's 59th prime minister on July 17, 2026.
- He succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned after facing significant political and economic challenges.
- Burnham's priorities include tackling the cost-of-living crisis and reviving economic growth.
- He has pledged greater devolution of power away from Westminster.
- Burnham cancelled a £1.8 billion digital identity scheme, redirecting funds to cost-of-living support.
Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's 59th prime minister on July 17, 2026, succeeding Keir Starmer. His ascension follows a decade marked by political upheaval and economic challenges since the UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016.
Burnham inherits a nation grappling with a low-growth economy, high national debt, and a burgeoning welfare bill. He has pledged to prioritize stability and honesty about the country's challenges, promising 'more breathing room' for citizens. Key priorities include addressing the cost-of-living crisis and reviving economic growth. He has also committed to greater devolution of power away from Westminster and has already cancelled a £1.8 billion digital identity scheme, redirecting funds to cost-of-living support.
The path to Burnham's premiership has been tumultuous. The period since the Brexit vote has seen a rapid succession of prime ministers, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, each facing distinct crises. Starmer's Labour government, which took power in July 2024 after a landslide victory, warned of an 'economic black hole' and implemented tax rises. The rise of the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, further complicated the political landscape.
Starmer's premiership was marked by policy reversals and resignations of senior ministers, ultimately leading to his own resignation in June 2026. Burnham, previously the Mayor of Greater Manchester, won a parliamentary seat and subsequently secured the Labour leadership unopposed, positioning him to lead the government.