Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where the King formally invited him to form a new government following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham's appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Labour Party and British politics after weeks of speculation over the party's leadership.

The constitutional ceremony saw Burnham travel to Buckingham Palace shortly after Starmer tendered his resignation to the King. During the private audience, King Charles asked Burnham to form a government, officially making the former Mayor of Greater Manchester Britain's newest Prime Minister. The appointment is the latest in a period of political turbulence that has seen several changes of leadership over the past decade.

Following the historic meeting, Burnham arrived at 10 Downing Street where he delivered his first speech as Prime Minister. He pledged to "build a new economy" and outlined ambitious plans to tackle the cost of living, improve public services and end rough sleeping, promising to restore trust in government and put "the right values and standards" back at the heart of politics.

Burnham succeeds Sir Keir Starmer after the former Labour leader stepped down amid mounting pressure within the party. Burnham returned to Westminster only recently before winning the Labour leadership unopposed, paving the way for his swift rise to the nation's highest political office.

The new Prime Minister is expected to unveil his Cabinet in the coming hours before setting out his government's legislative agenda. His supporters hope his experience as a former cabinet minister and Mayor of Greater Manchester will help reconnect Labour with voters across the country, while critics will be watching closely to see how quickly he can deliver on his promises.

Burnham now becomes the latest leader tasked with steering Britain through economic challenges, international uncertainty and growing demands for public sector reform, with his premiership beginning immediately after his audience with the King.