Andy Burnham assumes office as Britain’s new Prime Minister(Video)

Andy Burnham has officially assumed office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after King Charles III invited him to form a new government during an audience at Buckingham Palace on Monday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in British politics.

Burnham succeeded Sir Keir Starmer, who earlier formally tendered his resignation to the King following two years in office, paving the way for the constitutional transfer of power.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the appointment in an official statement, announcing that His Majesty had received Burnham and requested him to form a new administration.

“His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration,” the Palace said, adding that Burnham accepted the King’s invitation and was appointed Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

READ ALSO: UK PM Keir Starmer steps down, submits resignation to King Charles

With his appointment, Burnham becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, extending a period of frequent political leadership changes that has shaped the country’s recent political landscape.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, returned to Parliament in June before emerging unopposed as leader of the Labour Party with overwhelming backing from Labour Members of Parliament.

In his farewell remarks outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer thanked the British people for the opportunity to serve, declaring that his “work is done” while pledging his full support to Burnham as he takes over the leadership of the government.

The new Prime Minister is expected to immediately begin appointing members of his Cabinet before delivering his first address to the nation outside Downing Street.

Burnham has pledged to introduce a comprehensive 10-year programme aimed at addressing Britain’s long-standing structural challenges, restoring political stability and easing the cost-of-living pressures facing households across the country.

His administration is expected to outline its immediate policy priorities in the coming days as it begins work on implementing its agenda for economic recovery, public service reform and national renewal.