Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, succeeding Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader and head of government. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester assumed office after being invited by King Charles III to form a government.

In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham acknowledged the political instability Britain has experienced in recent years, noting that he is the seventh prime minister in the past decade.

“I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last 10 years to walk up this street, the seventh Prime Minister since 2016. We have not been good enough,” he said.

Burnham pledged to make his premiership a “circuit breaker” moment for Britain, promising a new political and economic direction. He announced plans to introduce a 10-year strategy for the country later this year and said his government would begin unveiling measures to ease the cost-of-living crisis immediately, giving households “some breathing space.”

He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to its international allies, including support for the United States and Ukraine, following early conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Under the UK’s parliamentary system, a general election is not required when the governing party changes its leader. The next national election is due by 2029, although Burnham has the option to call one earlier.