PM meets Scottish first minister, rules out independence referendum

Andy Burnham has become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, completing a rapid political ascent that saw him return to Parliament as an MP just over a month ago. He was formally appointed by King Charles on Monday after Keir Starmer tendered his resignation, becoming the seventh Prime Minister since 2016 and the fifth in four years.

In his first address outside Downing Street, delivered without a lectern or notes, Burnham acknowledged the public's frustration with political instability. "I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last ten years to walk up this street," he said. He promised a "circuit breaker for Britain" and the "biggest changes in the last 40 years," including a new political and economic model. He announced immediate measures to help with the cost of living, to be detailed the following day, and a ten-year plan to be published later this year. His first specific policy pledge was to end rough sleeping in the country.

Earlier in the day, Starmer gave his farewell speech, insisting he was leaving the country "stronger and fairer" and wishing Burnham success. He then went to Buckingham Palace to resign.

Burnham's first full day as Prime Minister saw him chair his first cabinet meeting and announce a series of key appointments. The most surprising was John Healey, the former Defence Secretary who resigned last month over defence funding, becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader and Energy Secretary, was appointed Foreign Secretary. Shabana Mahmood remained Home Secretary, while Yvette Cooper moved from Foreign Secretary to Health Secretary. Louise Haigh, a close Burnham ally, became First Secretary of State. Other appointments included Wes Streeting as Defence Secretary and Angela Rayner returning to Housing Secretary.

Later in the week, Burnham travelled to Glasgow to meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney. He ruled out a second independence referendum but expressed openness to further devolution of powers to Scotland and other parts of the UK. Swinney said he would engage constructively in that process, though he noted he did not support the mayoral model of devolution favoured by Burnham.

The transition of power was marked by a change in tone. Burnham's style was notably more informal and optimistic than his predecessor's, with his team emphasising a focus on "vibes" and a break from what they called the "doom and gloom" of the Starmer era. However, critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and some Conservative figures, argued that Burnham had no electoral mandate and that his plans lacked detail. A poll suggested 47% of voters wanted a general election.

Burnham's first international call was with US President Donald Trump, who later posted on social media that they had a "very good conversation" covering North Sea oil, trade, and the military alliance. Trump said the USA would be there to help and wished Burnham "good luck and Godspeed."