UK: Andy Burnham takes office as seventh PM in 10 years

Labour Party leader Andy Burnham has officially taken office as the United Kingdom's seventh prime minister in the last ten years. The traditional final step in assuming the country's highest office occurred Monday when Burnham met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Burnham's ascent follows the resignation of Keir Starmer in June. Starmer announced his departure after several cabinet ministers resigned amid plummeting poll numbers and mounting questions about his leadership. Burnham, formerly the mayor of Greater Manchester, secured his return to parliament through a special election in June.

In remarks prepared as he departed 10 Downing Street, the outgoing Prime Minister Starmer highlighted his role in leading the Labour Party from poor poll numbers to a "landslide victory" two years prior. He claimed Britain was now stronger and fairer, citing improvements in the economy, reduced NHS wait times, and decreased immigration. Starmer offered his successor his full support.

Burnham is expected to deliver his first speech as prime minister shortly after leaving Buckingham Palace. His premiership begins amid a period of significant political turnover, with the UK having seen seven prime ministers since its vote to leave the European Union.

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Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.