Known as the “King of the North” due to his strong political influence in northern England, Burnham has promised to empower neglected regions of the country and challenge the growing influence of the Reform UK party.

The Labour Party announced on Friday that Andy Burnham had been chosen as its new leader. He is expected to officially take charge as UK Prime Minister on Monday after outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer submits his resignation to King Charles III.Andy Burnham, a three-time elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after being elected as the leader of the ruling Labour Party.

Andy Burnham Becomes UK’s 7th Prime Minister in 10 Years

British politics has witnessed major instability over the past decade, with six prime ministers serving the country during this period. Once Burnham takes office, he will become the seventh UK prime minister in just 10 years.

Burnham had previously contested the Labour Party leadership election twice but failed on both occasions. After those defeats, he left London politics and returned to Manchester — a move that later became the turning point of his political career.

From Manchester Mayor to Prime Minister

The 56-year-old politician served as a Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2017 and held several cabinet positions under former Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He also served as Health Secretary.

After stepping away from national politics, Burnham focused on local leadership and was elected Mayor of Greater Manchester three times, serving for nine years.

During his tenure, he gained popularity for supporting middle-class communities and pushing for greater investment in northern England. His efforts to improve transport, healthcare, and employment opportunities helped strengthen his reputation among voters.

Why Is Andy Burnham Called the ‘King of the North’?

The nickname “King of the North” comes from Burnham’s long-standing campaign for greater investment in northern England.

Many people in northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds believe that government funding has historically been concentrated in London and southern England.

As mayor, Burnham repeatedly challenged what he called London’s dominance and secured billions of pounds in funding for transport, healthcare, and regional development projects.

Labour Party Leadership and Political Change

Under the UK parliamentary system, the leader of the party with a majority in Parliament becomes prime minister. British citizens do not directly vote for the prime minister; instead, they elect Members of Parliament.

Burnham received support from 379 out of 403 Labour MPs in the House of Commons, securing 94 percent backing. Since no rival candidate reached the required support threshold, he was elected leader without opposition.

Keir Starmer’s Resignation

Keir Starmer became prime minister on July 5, 2024, after leading Labour to a historic victory in the general election.

However, after Labour suffered a major defeat in local elections, internal pressure against Starmer increased. Several senior party figures and MPs expressed dissatisfaction, eventually leading to his resignation announcement on June 22.

Starmer is expected to formally resign by meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Following that, Burnham will meet the King, who will officially invite him to form a new government.

Andy Burnham’s Position on Gaza and Palestine

Burnham has taken a different position from Starmer on the issue of Gaza.

During Israel’s war in Gaza, Burnham called for an immediate ceasefire, even when Labour’s official position under Starmer faced criticism. He later apologized for the party’s previous stance and described it as a mistake.

He has also criticized Israeli settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and has called for greater pressure on the Israeli government.

Challenges Ahead for the New Prime Minister

Andy Burnham will take office at a time when many Britons are demanding political and economic change.

Analysts believe one of his biggest strengths is his communication skills and ability to connect directly with voters. Supporters argue that he can present Labour’s policies more clearly than Starmer.

After becoming Labour leader, Burnham thanked Keir Starmer and promised to focus on strengthening regions outside London, improving public services, and creating economic opportunities across the country.