Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, nicknamed the “King of the North” in political circles, officially became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026. He succeeded Keir Starmer, who resigned following an audience with King Charles III. In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, the new leader announced a shift in priorities, scrapping a costly digital ID program to focus on decentralization, returning key infrastructure to public control, and redirecting budget funds to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Audience with the King and Andy Burnham’s Policy Speech
The official transfer of power took place at Buckingham Palace, where the King asked the 56-year-old Andy Burnham to form a new government. Burnham is the UK’s 59th Prime Minister and the seventh head of government in the last decade.
Speaking at Downing Street, Burnham focused on restoring political stability and revising domestic priorities. His statements to journalists before the audience with the King outlined several key plans:
- First international contacts: The new Prime Minister announced that his first phone calls with foreign leaders would be with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He assured that British support for Ukraine remains absolute and unconditional (“100%”).
- Ending political instability: Burnham said he is “acutely aware” of the public’s exhaustion with the frequent rotation of prime ministers, promising to prove Britain’s capacity for long-term stability.
- Support for citizens: The primary goal is a “reset of priorities” to redirect public resources toward easing the financial burden on ordinary households.
Why Were Digital IDs Scrapped?
One of Burnham’s first and most significant decisions was to cancel Keir Starmer’s flagship program to introduce national digital identity cards (Digital ID). Initially proposed by Starmer to combat illegal migration and unauthorized employment, the project faced heavy criticism. Implementation costs were estimated at approximately £1.8 billion, which Burnham’s team deemed impractical under current economic pressures. The saved billions and administrative resources will be redirected to assist citizens with daily challenges, such as lowering utility bills and supporting local economies. However, digital right-to-work checks for employers will remain in place.
The British public has historically been wary of national identity documents, and parliamentary committees had previously warned the project could face major delivery failures without clear justification.
What to Expect from Andy Burnham’s Government?
Burnham earned his “King of the North” moniker for aggressively defending regional interests during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. His move to Downing Street signals a major shift in domestic and economic policy:
- “Downing Street North” (No 10 North): Burnham plans to decentralize power, granting regional mayors and councils more control over transport and housing. A dedicated regional office for the Prime Minister is set to open in Manchester.
- State control and renationalization: The new Prime Minister supports bringing key infrastructure back into public ownership. Plans under consideration include taking Thames Water, energy firms, and passenger transport networks back into state hands.
- Social and youth initiatives: A large-scale council housing construction program is expected, alongside free bus travel for 16-to-18-year-olds, mirroring policies successful in Manchester.
- Business tax reform: Burnham has proposed increasing taxes on large distribution centers owned by online retailers to fund tax relief for traditional high-street small businesses and pubs. Core personal taxes, including VAT and income tax, will not be raised.
- Administrative reform: The new administration plans to establish a Ministry for Artificial Intelligence and restructure Downing Street operations to reduce the Treasury’s influence over prime ministerial decisions.
Reasons for Keir Starmer’s Resignation
NEWSROOM IN notes that Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister following a decline in ruling party approval ratings, a prolonged cost-of-living crisis, and rising support for opposition parties.
Before stepping down, Starmer delivered a brief farewell speech, stating he was leaving Downing Street “with a smile and proud of the achievements” made during his tenure. He expressed full support for Andy Burnham, calling on the Labour Party and the nation to unite in facing international challenges.