Andy Burnham formally takes office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, becoming the country’s sixth leader since 2016. He succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned last month after leading the Labour Party to victory two years ago, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Burnham will deliver his first address outside 10 Downing Street after receiving the formal invitation to form a government from King Charles III.

In an interview with The Times, Burnham said he aims to end a decade of political instability and govern differently. His office stated that his inaugural speech will focus on rebuilding trust between government and citizens, tackling the cost-of-living crisis, driving economic growth, and decentralizing regional powers. Key cabinet appointments, including the next finance minister, are expected to be announced the same day.

Before taking office, Burnham canceled the previous government’s planned national digital ID program, redirecting its £1.8 billion budget toward cost-of-living relief and other priorities. He also promised swift measures to ease financial pressure on households.