New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham assumed office Monday morning, pledging to shift political authority away from London as his government confronts economic strain and political instability.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham said his administration would move power "into every postcode in the land" and place life's essentials under stronger public control to make them affordable again.
Burnham, 56, was received by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace earlier in the day, where he accepted the formal invitation to form a government.
In his first remarks, the new prime minister acknowledged the frequency of leadership changes, noting he is the seventh prime minister since 2016 and calling for his generation of politicians to "raise our game."
He argued that Britain took "wrong turns" in the 1980s and promised the biggest changes in four decades through a new political and economic model.
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer submitted his resignation and offered his full support, describing the transition as passing "the baton" to Burnham.
Burnham's relationship with Washington may pose an early foreign-policy test. He has previously criticized the U.S. president and warned against importing America's polarized political culture.
Despite the friction, he has pledged continuity on NATO, Britain's nuclear deterrent, and support for Ukraine.
Some political opponents have challenged his mandate, arguing he should call a general election after reaching Downing Street without a competitive leadership contest or nationwide vote.
Burnham became Labour leader unopposed Friday and enters office under Britain's parliamentary system, which permits a governing party to change leaders midterm. The next general election is not required until 2029.
At the center of his agenda is "Manchesterism," a plan to grant cities and regions greater authority over transport, housing, and infrastructure, paired with what he calls "business-friendly socialism."
His arrival caps a decade-long comeback. After losing a second Labour leadership bid in 2015, he built a power base as mayor of Greater Manchester, earning the nickname "King of the North."
Burnham said the country is "crying out" for a new politics and pledged his government would focus on delivery rather than point-scoring.
