Andy Burnham vows to ‘bring back hope’ as he unveils his cabinet

Andy Burnham has taken office as the UK's new prime minister, vowing to "bring back hope" and address the societal damage he attributes to the Thatcher era. His premiership began with a surprise appointment of John Healey as chancellor and a commitment to deliver tangible change for a public weary of political instability.

“

I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last 10 years to walk up this street, the seventh prime minister since 2016, making this a moment for reflection and new resolution.

Acknowledging widespread public dissatisfaction, Burnham stated his government must "do better" to enact real change. He announced that "breathing space" on the cost of living would be provided, with plans to cut energy bills and bus fares expected as part of a funded package. While signaling a willingness to explore borrowing for infrastructure investment, Burnham emphasized a "very prudent" approach to the economy, a stance that saw UK gilt prices drop amid market concerns over increased borrowing and debt.

“

It requires my generation of politicians to raise our game and rise to the new challenge. Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again, and that is our challenge to make politics work, to make it work better.

Healey, considered a reliable figure, was chosen as chancellor after initial speculation. Ed Miliband has been appointed foreign secretary, and Shabana Mahmood will continue at the Home Office. Burnham initiated his international engagement with calls to world leaders, including Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Ursula von der Leyen.

“

I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be.

Burnham's ascent marks the sixth prime ministerial change in a decade and the seventh since 2016. He stressed the need for his generation of politicians to "raise our game" and restore stability. "Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again," he declared, calling for renewed common purpose and positivity to make politics more effective.

“

Let’s build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose, and positivity. Let us make this the mom