New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has entered 10 Downing Street after succeeding Sir Keir Starmer on a tumultuous day in British politics.
The ex-Greater Manchester mayor and Makerfield MP officially took power after meeting King Charles in Buckingham Palace.
He said the first instruction he will issue is “to end rough sleeping in our country” – and urged people to help him “build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity”.
Follow the latest updates below…
Burnham reportedly invited Trump to visit Manchester Andy Burnham has reportedly invited US President Donald Trump to visit Manchester following a phone call between the leaders this afternoon.
According to POLITICO reporter Sam Blewitt , Trump “indicated” he would take up the offer.
It comes after Trump described Burnham as a Mayor of “some town” last month.
Education must be prioritised from day one, unions warn Education must be prioritised from day one, teacher unions have told Andy Burnham after he officially became the UK’s Prime Minister.
The former Greater Manchester mayor has also been urged to talk universities up, not down, as he began his premiership.
In his maiden speech in the top job on Monday, Mr Burnham said his government will help more young people into work by “changing the education system” and giving them more support.
Over his bid for leadership, he has also said he will boost technical and vocational routes so that university is not seen as the only option for school leavers.
Teacher unions urged investment in schools as they congratulated Mr Burnham.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ group NAHT, said: “His welcome commitment outside Downing Street to ‘investing in people’s success’ must start in childhood and in our schools.
“It must mean more investment and support in schools, their leaders and their staff.
“Despite the progress that has been made during the first two years of this Labour government when it comes to funding, pay and action on poverty, too many schools are still struggling to deliver the support children deserve.
“We welcome the new PM’s recognition that university is not for everyone, and that all young people need support to succeed.
“It’s important that any further changes to vocational options and routes are delivered in collaboration with schools and colleges, and build upon the changes being implemented as a result of the curriculum and assessment review.
“Education is so important for children’s happiness, learning and life chances, and it must be prioritised by the new PM and across government from day one of his premiership.”
General view of the Radcliffe Camera, part of Oxford University
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Steve Reed sacked as Housing Secretary Steve Reed has revealed he is no longer Housing Secretary, and said in a letter he is “disappointed to be leaving Government now”, after Andy Burnham entered Downing Street as Prime Minister.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed
PA Wire
Donald Trump has spoken to Andy Burnham Donald Trump has spoken to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham in one of his first phone calls since entering Number 10, White House sources have confirmed.
Nigel Farage calls for a general election The Reform UK leader has demanded a general election following Andy Burnham’s first day as the new prime minister.
But, is he likely to get one?
More world leaders congratulate PM More world leaders have sent their congratulations to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his first day in office.
Prime Minister of Canada (and fellow Everton fan) Mark Carney posted on X, saying: “Congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK.
“Canada and the UK have shared history, enduring ties, and deep connections between our peoples. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Burnham to build greater security, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney
AFP/Getty
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted: Congratulations Prime Minister Burnham on your appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“Australia and the United Kingdom are longstanding friends, allies and partners, united by shared values and deep ties between our peoples. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and promote security, resilience and prosperity in the years ahead.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
AFP/Getty
French President Emmanuel Macron says he hopes that he and Burnham could “deepen” ties between both countries “in service of our peoples” and give “new momentum” to the relationship between the EU and the UK
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky wished Burnham “every success in addressing the challenges of today”, adding: “We are ready to work together in all possible formats.”
Miliband says goodbye to Net Zero colleagues Ed Miliband is reported to have said his farewells to staff at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Mr Miliband, who was Sir Keir Starmer’s Net Zero Secretary, is expected to become Foreign Secretary, possibly Chancellor, or to be given another Cabinet post.
Ed Miliband
PA Wire
Burnham father’s Alzheimer’s means he’s unaware son has become PM Andy Burnham has spoken of his “sadness” as he revealed his father will not know that he is Prime Minister because of his Alzheimer’s disease.
The former Manchester mayor moved into No.10 on Monday after succeeding in his third attempt at Labour leadership.
But speaking to The Times, Mr Burnham said his father, Roy’s, battle with dementia means he will not know of his son’s success.
“That’s a sadness because he would be (proud),” Mr Burnham said.
“The way I look at it, it’s his achievement as well. A whole family achievement although he doesn’t know it.”
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Swinney and ap Iorwerth congratulate Burnham and call for early meetings The leaders of Wales and Scotland have also congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the First Minister of Wales, urged Mr Burnham not to bypass the Welsh parliament and called for an early meeting.
He said: “I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister, which presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments.
“I know that Andy Burnham shares my belief in the power of devolution to improve the lives of the people we serve.
“In that spirit, I hope we can speak the same language when it comes to devolving powers out of Westminster by strengthening, not bypassing, Wales’s national parliament and its ability to empower people and communities.
“I look forward to an early meeting with the new Prime Minister to agree how we can give Wales the powers it needs to grow the economy and build a fairer, more prosperous future for all.”
Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth
PA Media
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also congratulated Mr Burnham as he pushed for action on the cost of living.
He said that the country “faces a number of serious challenges at this moment” and he looks forward to “constructive talks” with the Prime Minister.
“I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister. This is a significant moment for the United Kingdom, and I commit to working constructively with him in order to improve the lives of people in Scotland,” he said.
“The UK faces a number of serious challenges at this moment, and Andy Burnham is correct when he says that Westminster is not working for the vast majority of people.
“Therefore, taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.
“I look forward to constructive conversations with the new Prime Minister about how we make that happen.”
First Minister John Swinney
PA Wire
European leaders congratulate Burnham A host of European leaders have congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister, while calling for closer EU-UK relations.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she looked forward to working with Mr Burnham for the “prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel”.
She said in a post on X: “Congratulations, dear Andy Burnham, on your confirmation as Prime Minister.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership.
“For the security of our shared continent. And the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
AFP/Getty
President of the European Council Antonio Costa said: “In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our co-operation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.
“The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also sent their congratulations.