Andy Burnham officially became the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after being invited by King Charles III to form a government at Buckingham Palace, marking the latest leadership transition in Britain's parliamentary democracy.

Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, who formally resigned after traveling from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to the King. The ceremonial transfer of power, known as "kissing hands," made Burnham Britain's seventh prime minister since 2016.

As the sole candidate in the Labour Party leadership contest, Burnham assumed office without a general election, a process permitted under the UK's parliamentary system. The next national election is not required until 2029, although the new prime minister has the authority to call one earlier.

A Government Focused on Change

In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to place "the right values and standards at the heart of government" and described his administration as an "emergency reset" that would introduce "the biggest changes in 40 years."

He acknowledged the political instability Britain has experienced over the past decade, saying the country has changed prime ministers too frequently and that public confidence in politics must be restored.

Ending Homelessness: His First Order

Burnham made homelessness the centerpiece of his opening agenda, announcing that his first instruction as prime minister would be to end rough sleeping across the country.

"Soon I will walk through that door behind me and give my first instruction: to end homelessness in our country," Burnham declared.

The new prime minister also outlined broader social priorities, including expanding affordable social housing, reforming education to help more young people find employment, strengthening mental health support, and building a more preventive welfare system.

Cost of Living and Long-Term Vision

Burnham confirmed that new measures to address Britain's cost-of-living crisis will be announced immediately, while a comprehensive 10-year national plan is expected later this year.

European leaders quickly congratulated Burnham following his appointment, as international attention now turns to how his government will tackle economic pressures, social inequality, and Britain's role on the global stage.