Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, marking the latest chapter in one of the most turbulent periods in modern British politics.

The Labour leader formally took office on Monday after Sir Keir Starmer tendered his resignation to the King. In keeping with long-established constitutional convention, King Charles then invited Burnham to form a new government, making him Britain's seventh Prime Minister since 2016 and the King's fourth since he ascended the throne.

Although the monarch plays a central role in appointing a new Prime Minister, the King's involvement is ceremonial rather than political. Under the UK's constitutional monarchy, the sovereign invites the individual most likely to command the confidence of the House of Commons to form a government. In Burnham's case, that followed his election as Labour leader after securing overwhelming backing from Labour MPs.

Following his audience with the King, Burnham travelled to Downing Street where he delivered his first speech as Prime Minister, acknowledging public frustration with politics after years of instability.

"I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you and I want to be honest with you, we have not been good enough and we need to be better. We will be."

Reflecting on the rapid turnover of leaders in Westminster, he said:

"I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last ten years to walk up this street, the seventh Prime Minister since 2016, making this a moment for reflection and new resolution."

Burnham pledged to use the leadership change as an opportunity to reshape the country's direction, telling the public:

"We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years."

The new Prime Minister also promised a different style of government centred on devolving power away from Westminster, rebuilding public trust and introducing a long-term strategy for the country. Among his first commitments were measures aimed at easing cost of living pressures, tackling rough sleeping and delivering what he described as a new political and economic model for Britain. A wider 10-year national plan is expected to be unveiled later this year.

Burnham's appointment follows Sir Keir Starmer's decision to step down after just over two years in office. Despite leading Labour to a landslide general election victory in 2024, Starmer faced mounting political pressure amid falling public support and internal divisions within the party.

Unlike a general election, the public does not vote directly for a new Prime Minister when the governing party changes leader during a parliamentary term. Instead, the governing party selects its new leader, who is then appointed Prime Minister by the King if they are able to command the confidence of the House of Commons. The next general election is not legally required until 2029.

The change in leadership has prompted mixed reactions online. One person commented:

“The revolving door leadership in this country is like Chelsea FC and their managers. It’s not an easy job so I’m probably not one to chat but..”

Another wrote:

“Just need someone to properly manage this country. Also need to abolish the monarchy as this sort of importance in unnecessary, classist and primitive.”

A third added:

"Nobody voted for this and there is zero outrage. The people should choose, not a select few powerful people we didn’t choose either. The people.”

Burnham now begins the challenge of leading a country facing continued pressure on public services, the economy and the cost of living, while also attempting to restore confidence in British politics after years of frequent leadership changes. Whether his promise to act as a "circuit breaker for Britain" delivers lasting change remains to be seen, but his premiership begins with expectations as high as the challenges waiting at Number 10.