A very quick guide to new prime minister Andy Burnham
BBC News 2026-07-20 11:52:27
Context: Andy Burnham is set to become the UK's prime minister on Monday, replacing Sir Keir Starmer in No 10 Downing Street, after becoming the leader of the Labour Party on Friday. This move marks Burnham as the fourth prime minister in five years. The transition of power begins with Sir Keir meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to formally offer his resignation, followed by the King meeting Burnham to ask him to form a government.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham will become the UK prime minister on Monday, replacing Sir Keir Starmer, and will be the fourth prime minister in five years.
- Burnham has promised to give "people breathing space on the cost of living" and will scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults.
- The new prime minister will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, likely supporting existing licences rather than issuing new ones.
- Burnham has suggested increasing business rates on warehouses to fund tax cuts for pubs and some high-street businesses, while sticking to pledges not to raise VAT, income tax, or National Insurance.
- Burnham is married to Marie-France van Heel, whom he met while studying at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, and they have three children: Jimmy, Rosie, and Annie.