UK King Appoints Andy Burnham as New Prime Minister

Andy Burnham, the newly elected leader of the UK's ruling Labour Party, met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on the 20th (Monday) and was formally appointed as the new Prime Minister, with authorization to form the next cabinet.

Later that day, Burnham will deliver his first speech as Prime Minister from the Prime Minister's residence.

Earlier that morning, Keir Starmer attended an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, formally submitting his resignation as Prime Minister. The King accepted the resignation, marking Starmer's official departure from office.

Starmer had announced on June 22nd his intention to step down as leader of the Labour Party, stating he would remain Prime Minister until a successor was chosen. On July 17th, local time, the Labour Party announced that Burnham had been elected as the new party leader. Under the UK parliamentary system, the new leader of the ruling party automatically assumes the role of Prime Minister without the need for a general election.