Keir Starmer has officially resigned as Prime Minister, concluding his tenure after two years. He made the announcement in a farewell address outside 10 Downing Street before formally submitting his resignation to the King. Starmer stated he was "closing the book" on his time as premier and asserted that "my work is done," adding that the country is "stronger" than when he took office.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King accepted Starmer's resignation. Shortly after, Andy Burnham was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, becoming the seventh person to hold the office in the past decade. Burnham's ascent follows his recent victory in the Makerfield by-election. His appointment was reportedly confirmed by Labour MPs without a formal vote by activists.
In his departing statement, Starmer highlighted his party's journey from a significant 2019 election defeat to a landslide victory in 2024. He claimed that under his leadership, the economy has strengthened, public services have improved with reduced waiting times, and the country's international reputation has been enhanced. Starmer also expressed his confidence that Britain is now a stronger and fairer nation.
"Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister," Starmer said. He thanked his wife, Victoria, his family, his staff, and the British people for the opportunity to serve, stating, "I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved."
Burnham's transition to Prime Minister is expected to bring a shift in policy focus. He has indicated a desire to devolve power away from Westminster and has announced plans to scrap Starmer's digital ID program to concentrate on the cost of living. Burnham has also signaled an openness to greater public control of essential services, with potential discussions about temporarily nationalizing Thames Water, which faces significant debt.
Other challenges and priorities for Burnham include reforming social care, an issue he has expressed a desire to address. The new Prime Minister also faces scrutiny regarding potential new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. While his team has confirmed adherence to the Labour manifesto's promise not to issue new licenses, the possibility of expanded drilling at existing sites remains. This issue has drawn attention from figures like Donald Trump, who advocates for increased drilling.
The political landscape is also shaped by reactions from opposition leaders. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has written to Burnham, offering cooperation on cutting the welfare bill but urging him to rule out tax increases and support new oil and gas drilling. Badenoch also criticized Burnham's approach to parliamentary scrutiny and media engagement.
