By lunchtime today, the UK will have had its fifth prime minister in four years, a stark reflection of the country's turbulent political landscape. Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, has taken the reins, determined to hit the ground running and break the trend of unpopular governments. Since Boris Johnson's departure in the summer of 2022, the UK has seen Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Sir Keir Starmer lead the country. Burnham's critics may argue that he has been agitating for this moment for ages, but he is now faced with the challenge of addressing the nation's growing discontent.
The post-pandemic, post-Brexit 2020s have seen many Britons feel like life is getting harder, with the national mood becoming increasingly impatient and political support fragmenting. This has led to governments being unpopular in recent years. Burnham's arrival in Downing Street on Monday will be marked by a speech outside 10 Downing Street, where he may ditch the traditional lectern in favour of a more informal approach. He has expressed a desire for question and answer sessions with voters around the country, dubbed 'People's Question Time'.
Before Burnham's big moment, Sir Keir Starmer will give a brief address and meet the King to stand down as prime minister. His team will likely highlight his achievements, including reducing immigration and NHS waiting lists, lifting children out of poverty, and introducing a social media ban for teenage children. The afternoon and evening will bring news of appointments to the cabinet, including a minister focused on artificial intelligence. The new prime minister's immediate priorities will be clear, with the cost of living and energy bills high on the agenda.
Burnham's leadership style will be closely watched, particularly in how he works with the No 10 operation and his office in Manchester. His plans for the coming weeks, months, and years will have a significant impact on how the UK is governed. What this means for you is that the new prime minister's decisions will affect the services and policies that directly impact your life.