Andy Burnham becomes UK prime minister and calls for a new political model

Andy Burnham took office as the United Kingdom’s new prime minister on Monday after being invited by King Charles III to form a government. He replaced Keir Starmer, who stepped down after leading the Labour Party and the government through a period of political instability. In his first remarks outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham said he wanted a more collaborative style of politics and promised to shift more authority away from London. He also said his government would seek to strengthen public control over key services, support British industry, and pursue a new economic approach. Burnham’s arrival comes as Britain faces economic pressure and questions about its political direction. His relationship with Washington may become an early test, since he has previously criticized Donald Trump while also saying the U.S.U.K. alliance remains important on NATO, nuclear deterrence and support for Ukraine.