Andy Burnham is formally appointed as the United Kingdom's seventh prime minister in a decade today, succeeding Keir Starmer. The transition of power from the outgoing Labour leader to the former Mayor of Greater Manchester is set to conclude with a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Burnham's Ascent to Prime Minister
The 56-year-old Mr Burnham secured his return to Parliament in June through a special election. He was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on July 12, mere hours after Mr Starmer announced his resignation. Mr Starmer's tenure as prime minister, lasting just two years, concluded following pressure from within his own party.
Mr Starmer is expected to travel from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III. Shortly thereafter, Mr Burnham will proceed to the palace, where he will be formally asked by His Majesty to form a government. This pivotal moment, known as "kissing hands," signifies his official assumption of the premiership.
The Ritual of Power Transfer
The process of transferring the premiership between leaders has been a long-standing tradition. The outgoing prime minister, in this instance Keir Starmer, makes the journey to the palace to offer his resignation. Subsequently, the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, participates in a private ceremony known as "kissing hands," although no actual kissing occurs.
During this ceremony, King Charles III will request Mr Burnham to form a new administration. Mr Burnham will then bow, shake the King's hand, and officially take on his new responsibilities. The event will be documented with photographs, serving as a tangible record of the power transfer, as noted by Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine.
Traditionally, after leaving the palace, the new prime minister travels to their official residence and office at 10 Downing Street. It is from this location that they typically deliver a statement to the nation.
Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
Keir Starmer, in a final statement outside 10 Downing Street, declared his "work is done," asserting that Britain is now in a stronger and fairer position than it was two years prior. His departure follows a period marked by what the original text describes as missteps and policy U-turns, which led to a decline in public support and ultimately, his forced resignation by the Labour Party.
Mr Burnham, who previously served in government two decades ago, left London in 2017 to assume the role of Mayor of Greater Manchester. During his tenure there, he was credited with overseeing economic regeneration, improvements in public transport, and fostering a growing sense of cultural confidence. He has articulated an intention to replicate this "Manchesterism" on a national scale, advocating for a decentralisation of power and the stimulation of economic growth through public and private investment.
He stated he had "unfinished business" on the national stage, and Mr Starmer's difficulties provided him with the opportunity to re-enter Parliament. Mr Burnham's policy proposals suggest a focus on harnessing investment to spur economic growth and empowering local and regional leaders across the country, alongside a pledge to restore hope to the political landscape. However, he faces the challenge of convincing a discerning public of his capacity to effect positive change in their lives.
Anticipating the New Administration
The recent period has seen a notable turnover in British prime ministers, with Mr Burnham becoming the seventh to hold the office since 2016. Mr Starmer himself became prime minister just two years ago, following a significant electoral victory for the Labour Party.
The next general election is not constitutionally mandated until 2029, five years after the 2024 election. However, Mr Burnham retains the prerogative to call an earlier election should he choose to do so.
It is anticipated that Mr Burnham may encounter Larry the cat, the long-standing feline resident of Number 10 Downing Street, renowned for his presence during the tenure of multiple prime ministers. Larry, a former stray adopted to control rodents, now patrols the premises and often attracts attention from visiting dignitaries.
