Andy Burnham Sworn In as UK Prime Minister, Promises Immediate Cost-of-Living Relief
Atlantic Digest News ▪︎ July 20, 2026
Andy Burnham has officially been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, succeeding Keir Starmer after a formal transition of power at Buckingham Palace.
Starmer tendered his resignation to King Charles III, who subsequently invited Burnham to form a new government. Burnham then travelled to 10 Downing Street, where he delivered his first address as Britain’s new prime minister.
In his inaugural speech, Burnham pledged to introduce immediate measures this week to help ease the country’s cost-of-living crisis, while promising a broader 10-year national development plan later this year aimed at restoring economic stability and public confidence.
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” Burnham said. “We have not been good enough, and we need to be better.”
He announced that from Tuesday, his administration would begin rolling out initiatives to provide relief for households struggling with rising living costs. According to him, the government will also explain how the proposed measures will be funded.
“Later this year, I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support,” he said.
“But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living. And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.”
Burnham also outlined key priorities for his administration, including reforming the education system to help more young people secure employment, expanding access to mental health support, and increasing the construction of council housing.
“We will help more young people into work by changing the education system and giving them more support, more mental health support. And we will build more council homes,” he added.
The new prime minister said his government is committed to restoring stability, driving long-term economic growth, and rebuilding trust in public institutions after years of economic challenges.
