Andy Burnham becomes UK PM

Andy Burnham, nicknamed the 'King of the North', will become the UK's next prime minister on Monday after winning the Labour leadership following Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham left Westminster nearly a decade ago to become mayor of Greater Manchester and returned to Parliament only weeks ago before securing the Labour leadership. He will become the 59th prime minister and the seventh to occupy Number 10 in the past decade. Burnham inherits a sluggish economy and high living costs. One of his first major decisions could be to place Thames Water into a Special Administration Regime, bringing the company under temporary public control while it is restructured. Burnham has promised to focus on making life more affordable and reducing regional inequalities. He has also suggested a wealth tax could be on the cards. The transition of power will occur on Monday, with Starmer tendering his resignation to King Charles III, who will then invite Burnham to form a government. Burnham will then travel to 10 Downing Street to deliver his first speech as PM and begin appointing his Cabinet.