LONDON: Andy Burnham promised to bring hope to the British people and purpose to the country’s faltering Labor government when he was officially announced as party leader on Friday, clearing the final hurdle to taking over as prime minister on July 20.The former Mayor of Greater Manchester was the only contender in the centre-left party’s leadership contest to replace outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Friday’s announcement was a foregone conclusion after Burnham secured nominations from 379 of 403 Labor lawmakers in the House of Commons.“We will restore their hope,” Burnham, 56, told an audience of lawmakers, party activists and labor union leaders in his first speech as leader.
“This is a proud moment for me and my family today, and it’s an emotional moment, but it’s a moment I’m ready for.”He set out some priorities in Friday’s speech, promising to infuse “hope in every heart” and “good growth in every postcode,” in part by transferring power from central government in London to local leaders in cities and regions. He told the crowd: “We will take power back from Westminster and Whitehall and give it to where you live.”
“More control over the basics of life so you can make them work better.”Starmer will remain prime minister until Monday, when he formally submits his resignation to King Charles III. The King would then ask Burnham to form a government. Parliamentary democracy in Britain allows ruling parties to change their leaders, and thus prime ministers, without the need to hold general elections. The next national elections do not have to be held until 2029. AFP
