"I declare Andy Burnham has officially been elected leader of the Labour Party," Shabana Mahmood, chair of Labour's National Executive Committee, announced on 17/7.
With this outcome, Burnham, 56, will become the new prime minister on 20/7, succeeding Keir Starmer. Burnham will meet King Charles before stepping into 10 Downing Street.
According to Mahmood, this Labour leadership election "held virtually no surprises," as Burnham was the only eligible candidate. He secured 379 nominations out of a total of 403 Labour Members of Parliament, far exceeding the minimum of 81 required to run.
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Andy Burnham speaks in London, UK after being elected Labour leader on 17/7. Photo: AFP |
Speaking after his election, Burnham pledged to restore "hope" for the British people. The incoming prime minister stated his priority is to improve living standards for people across all regions of the country.
"People and localities have waited too long to see change. We will bring that hope," Burnham said to cheers from Labour delegates. "I am here for us, for all of us."
The new Labour leader indicated he is "finalizing" his cabinet list and will announce positions on 20/7.
Burnham earned the moniker "King of the North" during his nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He recently stepped down from this position and won overwhelmingly in a by-election, becoming a Member of Parliament representing the Makerfield constituency, an area where the right-wing Reform UK party has increased its influence.
However, Burnham had not yet taken his seat as an MP when Prime Minister Starmer announced his resignation on 22/6, under increasing internal party pressure. Burnham subsequently confirmed he would run for the position of head of government.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks outside 10 Downing Street on 22/6. Photo: AP |
Burnham will confront a range of challenges similar to those faced by his predecessor, including slow economic growth, high government borrowing costs, and a growing welfare burden. These issues have contributed to the rising support for Reform UK.
Burnham's term could also face additional pressure from volatile energy prices due to the US-Iran conflict and unpredictable elements in US President Donald Trump's policies.
Burnham has committed to not increasing key taxes, but he must still find a way to cover a shortfall of approximately 4,7 billion pounds (6,3 billion USD) in the four-year defense spending increase plan.
"So far, much of what Burnham and his associates have put forward remains quite vague," political science professor Tony Travers told AFP. "He will soon need to present a concrete plan along with clear policies that people can understand. Otherwise, he risks losing support."
