Andy Burnham has begun his premiership with a promise to 'bring back hope' to Britain, naming John Healey as chancellor and vowing to repair damage he attributes to the Thatcher era.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Andy Burnham has become the new UK prime minister, taking over from Keir Starmer.
- Burnham said his arrival in power will 'bring back hope' to Britain.
- John Healey was appointed chancellor in a surprise move.
- Burnham promised a prudent approach to the economy while pledging to deliver real change.
- He said the government needed to 'do better' and acknowledged people were 'fed up' with politics.
Andy Burnham has said his arrival in power will ‘bring back hope’ to Britain, launching his premiership with a pledge to deliver change while taking a prudent approach to the economy, according to the Guardian.
The new UK prime minister marked the start of his time in office with the surprise appointment of John Healey as chancellor, a move reported by the Guardian as a notable early decision.
Burnham used his first address to the country to promise to repair the damage he says was caused to communities during the Thatcher era, framing his government’s mission around rebuilding.
Speaking after taking over from Keir Starmer in Downing Street, Burnham acknowledged that people were ‘fed up’ with politics, and said the government needed to ‘do better’ to deliver real change.
While setting out an ambitious tone on hope and renewal, Burnham also signalled restraint on the public finances, promising what the Guardian described as a prudent approach to the economy.
Why it matters
A change of prime minister reshapes the direction of UK government policy and priorities. Burnham's early promises on hope, economic prudence and rebuilding communities set the framework against which his new administration will be judged.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new UK prime minister?
Andy Burnham is the new UK prime minister, having taken over from Keir Starmer in Downing Street, according to the Guardian.
Who did Andy Burnham appoint as chancellor?
Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, in what the Guardian described as a surprise appointment.
What has Burnham promised as prime minister?
He promised to 'bring back hope' to Britain, to take a prudent approach to the economy, and to repair damage caused to communities during the Thatcher era, saying the government must 'do better' to deliver change.
Timeline
- Andy Burnham vows to ‘bring back hope’ as he unveils his cabinet
The Guardian World: New prime minister says government must ‘do better’ to deliver change but promises prudent approach to economy UK politics live – latest updates Andy Burnham has said his arrival in power will “bring back hope” to Britain as he launched his premiership with the surprise appointme