The international media has responded with a range of opinions to Andy Burnham's assumption of the UK's prime ministerial office, with some outlets questioning his policy direction and others acknowledging his early engagement with global leaders.
Burnham, who took office on Monday following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, has drawn attention for his stated goal of enacting significant changes, referencing perceived missteps in the 1980s. "Political power was centralised, economic power privatised, large parts of the country de-industrialised, and they still haven’t recovered," Burnham said in his inaugural speech, signaling a departure from recent economic policies.
However, this approach has met with criticism. Sky News Australia host Danica De Giorgio described the UK's situation as an "absolute mess," suggesting Burnham's appointment was akin to replacing one "village idiot with another." De Giorgio questioned Burnham's platform and criticized the perceived handling of a migrant crisis under his predecessor, noting Burnham's unelected status. "He says 'I want to bring hope'. Andy, you've got a lot of work to do, and I just feel that speech missed the mark. That would've been a time to try and unite Britain, because Britain is so divided right now," she stated.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra characterized Burnham's political outlook as "tinged with nostalgia," with its London correspondent writing that "nostalgia has come 'the driving force of politics' for the UK." The paper accused Burnham of solely blaming neoliberalism and figures like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair for Britain's current challenges. Luigi Ippolito of the paper countered that Burnham's "lost paradise seems to be the 1970s, forgetting that those were the years of energy rationing, piles of rubbish in the streets, and London forced to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund."
An editorial in Australia's The Australian also viewed Burnham's strategy of blaming Thatcher as problematic, calling it "incomprehensible" to look back nostalgically to the pre-Thatcher era when the UK was referred to as "the sick man of Europe."
In the United States, the New York Post identified Burnham as a "self-described socialist who has pushed to reject Margaret Thatcher-era policies." The paper noted Burnham's critique of neoliberal economic policies in his first address as Labour leader. Despite this, the New York Post reported that Burnham "appears to have made a decent first impression with President Trump." Following a phone call, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had a "very good conversation" with Burnham, discussing "many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK." Trump expressed optimism about a future meeting and stated the U.S. would offer support, mentioning discussions on North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, and the demining of the Hormuz Strait.
Spain's El Pais newspaper commented on Burnham's remarks regarding Gaza, suggesting the new leader is "more calculating than he appears." The paper noted his deliberate avoidance of the term "genocide" in relation to events in Palestine, instead referring to "war crimes" and deferring the legal definition to international courts. Burnham had previously indicated his government would "do more to strengthen our approach," including potential sanctions and trade measures related to illegal settlements.
Burnham has also undertaken a significant cabinet reshuffle, removing several loyalists of his predecessor. Key appointments include Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and First Secretary of State, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell as Education Secretary, and Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley as Chief Whip. Angela Rayner, Ashton-under-Lyne MP, returned to her former role as Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary. The new cabinet includes a record number of women, with 12 female members out of 23 full cabinet positions, surpassing the previous record set by Sir Keir Starmer's administration.