Chicago – July 17, 2026
Andy Burnham has been officially confirmed as the new leader of the UK Labour Party, marking the final step before he assumes office as prime minister on Monday. The former Greater Manchester mayor secured the leadership after receiving overwhelming support from 379 Labour MPs and all 11 affiliated trade unions, making him the unchallenged successor to outgoing PM Keir Starmer.
Speaking at a special party conference in central London on Friday, Burnham stated he is “finalising” his cabinet appointments and will announce the full team on Monday afternoon after formally taking office at Downing Street. He pledged his government would deliver “the biggest change in British politics for 40 years” and promised to be “unashamedly Labour” while focusing on driving growth in every postcode.
Key priorities outlined include social care reform, with Burnham vowing to “grasp the nettle” on adult social care, and transferring power from Westminster to communities across the nation. Speculation surrounds potential cabinet appointments, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband among contenders for senior roles.
Starmer is expected to visit King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Monday morning to formally resign, with Burnham taking over as prime minister the same day before delivering his first speech outside Downing Street
