Andy Burnham becomes seventh British prime minister in a decade

Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and new leader of the Labour Party, is taking the final steps on Monday to succeed Keir Starmer and become Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade.The affable Burnham returned to Parliament in June by winning a risky special election and was sworn in as a member on July 12, hours after the unpopular Starmer announced his resignation to end a tenure of just two years in office.Starmer will travel the mile from Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to formally tell King Charles III that he is resigning.Soon after, the 56-year-old Burnham will go to the palace and Charles will ask him to form a government.That is when he will officially become prime minister, a moment known as “kissing hands.”Here is the latest:Keir Starmer said “my work is done,” as he prepares to leave Downing Street for the last time to resign as prime minister.The outgoing leader, forced to resign by his own party,, said Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.”Starmer spoke outside 10 Downing St.

before he heads to Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to King Charles III.Andy Burnham will make a speech in the same spot after he is formally appointed prime minister by the king.Dozens of reporters and photographers from international media have packed the street outside No.10 Downing Street.They have gathered about half an hour ahead of Keir Starmer’s departure from his official residence to see King Charles III and formally resign as prime minister.Police have put up extra metal barriers outside the famous black door to prevent people standing directly in front.You know it’s the business of government — and not just politics — when the lectern in front of 10 Downing Street features the curious crest with a lion and a unicorn on it.The lectern was set up in advance of Keir Starmer’s final speech as prime minister.The two creatures share the distinction of being part of the royal coat of a...