Andy Burnham was confirmed as Labour Party leader on Thursday and prepared to take office as Prime Minister following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation in June. He was expected to travel to Buckingham Palace to be asked to form a government.

The former Greater Manchester mayor secured the leadership after winning a recent by-election that gave him a House of Commons seat. His confirmation followed weeks of internal contests and endorsements from senior Labour MPs.

Burnham moved quickly to assemble his cabinet, with attention focused on key appointments to the Treasury, Foreign Office and Home Office. His allies said he intended to signal continuity on economic policy while shifting emphasis toward regional investment and public services.

The Conservative opposition criticised the leadership transition, arguing that Labour had changed prime ministers without a general election. Party officials called for voters to be given a fresh mandate and renewed calls for an early poll.

Burnham was expected to address the nation from Downing Street, setting out his immediate priorities on the cost of living, the National Health Service and housing. Labour said his first weeks would focus on stabilising the government and presenting a clear agenda before the summer recess.