Andrew Murray Burnham era begins in UK; 'King of North' enters 10 Downing Street

LONDON: Labour Party leader Andrew Murray Burnham took office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday. The ceremony was held at 10 Downing Street in London, the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, stepped down after two years in power.

Starmer resigned following the setback in local elections and pressure piled on him from the party. Later, the lot fell to Burnham, Starmer's rival in the party. Burnham was elected unopposed as the new leader of the Labour Party with the support of more than 300 MPs.

Burnham faces challenges including containing the soaring cost of living and curbing illegal immigration. After taking office, Burnham vowed to build a new economy in the country. A ten-year plan to rebuild the economy will be announced this year. Burnham will also announce the new set of ministers soon.

King of the North

• Born 7 January 1970

• MP for Makerfield

• Former Mayor of Greater Manchester

• Former Health and Culture Secretary

• Raised his voice for the rights of the North of England. Nicknamed 'King of the North'

• Born into a working-class family. MA in English Literature from Cambridge University

• Joined the Labour Party at the age of 15

• First became an MP in 2001

• Married to Dutch-born Mary Frances van Heel. Three children