LAST UPDATE | 20 Jul

ANDY BURNHAM HAS made a swathe of promises in his first speech as UK prime minister, pledging to bring about “the biggest changes in the last 40 years”.

He said he will reveal on Tuesday how he’s going to give people “breathing space” with the cost of living.

In the first firm promise of his premiership, Burnham said he would “end rough sleeping in our country”. He didn’t give a timeline for this goal.

He was previously challenged on the issue, as the number of people rough sleeping in Manchester increased while he was mayor. He said the role taught him that a national approach is needed.

Burnham today said his appointment as prime minister will be a “circuit breaker” for Britain.

He pledged to bring “life’s essentials back under stronger public control” to make them more affordable for the public.

I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. 

After Burnham entered No 10 as prime minister, his guests spilled out onto Downing Street, many hugging and smiling.

Among them was former footballer Peter Reid, who played for Mr Burnham’s favourite team Everton, who told reporters: “It was a good speech, let’s all get together and make this country brilliant.”

In an ususual move for such a big speech, Burnham spoke without a lecturn Alamy Alamy

Taosieach Micheál Martin congratulated the new prime minister, and said he’s looking forward to working with him to “strengthen the partnership and friendship” between Britain and Ireland, of which Burnham has been “a great champion”.

The leaders met several times before, including during Burnham’s visit last year.

Burnham met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace to "kiss hands" and be officially appointed. Alamy Alamy

Outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer made his own address on Downing Street before attending Buckingham Palace to formally resign.

Starmer focused on his achievements, saying he took the Labour Party from a “historic defeat” in the 2019 general election, to a “landslide victory” in 2024.

Starmer speaking on Downing Street with supporters behind him Alamy Alamy

Starmer said Britain is “stronger and fairer” since he has been leader.

“As I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support,” he said.

Thanking his family, Starmer said: “I go with a smile and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.”

A large crowd comprising family, friends, No 10 staff and other civil servants joined him on Downing Street, bookending his speech with rounds of applause, cheers and hugs.

Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street with his wife Victoria Alamy Alamy

Burnham is now expected to name his cabinet.

He has been tight-lipped about his selections, but is believed to have been weighing up either Energy Secretary Ed Miliband or Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to be chancellor.

Monday caps a rapid transition for Burnham, coming barely a month after he returned to Westminster following his victory in the Makerfield byelection.