STORY
Andy Burnham is preparing to become Prime Minister on Monday after being confirmed as Labour leader without a membership ballot. The former Greater Manchester mayor was the only candidate to secure the required parliamentary backing after Sir Keir Starmer announced that he would stand down.
Burnham used his first speech as leader to call for a new politics, greater devolution and a Government that gives communities more control over decisions affecting their areas. He is expected to announce senior cabinet appointments when he formally takes office.
The transition means Britain will have another mid-Parliament change of Prime Minister without a general election. Burnham will take office with Labour still holding a Commons majority, but facing pressure over public services, living costs, immigration and the advance of Reform UK.