London – Andy Burnham was officially sworn in as the United Kingdom’s 59th Prime Minister after being invited by King Charles III to form a new government. The Labour Party politician succeeds Keir Starmer, who stepped down amid mounting internal political pressure, making Burnham the UK’s seventh prime minister in just over a decade.

In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to prioritize restoring political stability, strengthening the economy, and tackling the country’s cost-of-living crisis, which has become one of the biggest challenges facing British households in recent years. He also promised to introduce a 10-year national development plan to guide the country’s long-term future.

Burnham said his government would soon announce a package of short-term measures aimed at giving households “breathing room” as they continue to struggle with high inflation and rising living costs. He emphasized that the funding for these initiatives would be presented transparently while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Among the key reforms outlined by the new prime minister are:

• Devolving more powers from Westminster to local governments.
• Reviving British industry through a national reindustrialization strategy.
• Expanding the construction of social housing.
• Reforming the education system to better prepare young people for the workforce.
• Improving access to mental health services.
• Ending rough sleeping and reducing homelessness.
• Lowering the cost of living by strengthening public oversight of essential services.

In the energy sector, Burnham reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating domestic energy development to enhance the UK’s energy security and reduce reliance on foreign supplies. The policy is expected to become a key pillar of the government’s long-term economic recovery strategy.

Shortly after taking office, Burnham announced his new Cabinet. John Healey was appointed Chancellor, Ed Miliband became Foreign Secretary, while Yvette Cooper was named Secretary of State for Health. The Cabinet reshuffle marks the end of Keir Starmer’s administration and the beginning of a new chapter for the Labour government.

Burnham said the United Kingdom needs bold reforms after years of political instability and sluggish economic growth. He pledged to build a new political and economic model that puts citizens first while maintaining fiscal credibility and honoring the country’s defense commitments to its international allies.