Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been named leader of the Labour Party and will become the UK's seventh prime minister in a decade.
Key facts
- •Burnham won a parliamentary seat in the Makerfield constituency by a wide margin.
- •He previously served as the mayor of Greater Manchester, a region of approximately 2.8 million people.
- •Burnham is a member of the Labour Party's moderate-left wing and has previously run for party leadership twice.
- •His appointment comes as the Labour Party seeks to counter the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
- •Burnham has expressed criticism of Brexit and describes his political stance as 'pro-business socialism.'
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to become the United Kingdom's prime minister following his victory in a Makerfield by-election. His appointment as leader of the Labour Party on Friday confirms him as the successor to Keir Starmer, who resigned nearly a month ago. Burnham is scheduled to move into Downing Street on Monday, July 20.
By the numbers
Political Background and Career
Burnham, 56, has extensive experience in both national and regional politics, having first entered Parliament in 2001. He served in various ministerial roles under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including health secretary, before leaving Parliament in 2017 to serve as mayor of Greater Manchester. During his nine-year tenure as mayor, he earned the nickname 'King of the North' for his focus on public transportation, housing, and healthcare, as well as his advocacy for local businesses and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
As prime minister, Burnham faces immediate foreign policy challenges, including navigating the UK's security and economic relationship with the United States. While US President Donald Trump has expressed unfamiliarity with Burnham, the UK remains heavily dependent on the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and security cooperation with Washington. Regarding the Middle East, Burnham has pledged to increase pressure on the Israeli government through potential sanctions and a ban on trade in goods from illegal settlements.
Timeline
- 2001Andy Burnham first entered the British Parliament.
- 2017Burnham left Parliament to become the mayor of Greater Manchester.
- July 20Burnham is scheduled to move into Downing Street as prime minister.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Deutsche Welle, Deutsche Welle.
