Brexit critic Andy Burnham becomes UK's seventh PM in a decade
Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has taken over as British prime minister, bringing a pro-business, Brexit-critical record to Downing Street but leaving European investors guessing about his economic agenda.
Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, taking office after winning a by-election in Makerfield and being appointed leader of the ruling Labour Party. He replaces Keir Starmer, who resigned nearly a month ago.
The rapid turnover at the top of British politics since the 2016 Brexit referendum does little to reassure European businesses and investors about the country's stability. Burnham inherits a nation still grappling with deep political, economic and social challenges.
The 56-year-old brings deep experience to the role, having first entered Parliament in 2001 and served in senior positions under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including as health secretary. He left national politics in 2017 to become mayor of Greater Manchester, a region of 2.8 million people, winning re-election twice and most recently capturing nearly two-thirds of the vote.
A pro-business record
In Manchester, Burnham prioritised housing, healthcare, and the expansion of affordable public transport. He describes his political philosophy as "pro-business socialism," a label that will be closely scrutinised by markets as he takes the national reins.
His economic instincts were on display during the pandemic when he successfully pressured Boris Johnson's government to provide greater financial support for businesses and workers affected by lockdowns. However, the specific economic policies he will pursue as prime minister have so far remained undefined.
The European question
For European capitals, Burnham's long-standing criticism of Brexit offers a potential departure from the friction of recent years. Yet his primary political critique of his predecessor focused on Starmer's cuts to welfare spending, raising questions about how he intends to manage the public finances.
Many supporters see him as Labour's best hope of countering the rise of Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK party. "Everyone can feel the country isn't where it should be," Burnham said after his election victory. "From here on I will give everything I have got to make it so. To ensure the name Makerfield is forever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs, bringing back something we've lost ― hope ― hope for the future."
