Andy Burnham's first day as PM: From new Cabinet to Donald Trump phone call

Andy Burnham's first day as PM: From new Cabinet to Donald Trump phone call Andy Burnham has been officially appointed as the new Prime Minister of the UK and has wasted no time in getting to work, with a new Cabinet announced and a bold speech delivered on his first day in office Andy Burnham became Britain's seventh Prime Minister in a decade on Monday and wasted no time getting down to business in the top job. His opening day kicked off with a formal audience with the King at Buckingham Palace before he delivered his maiden address as PM on the steps of No 10. Mr Burnham then acted swiftly to name his new Cabinet. The Makerfield MP, who made his return to Parliament in June following a stint as Mayor of Greater Manchester, was formally elected Leader of the Labour Party on Friday. The official transition took place after Sir Keir Starmer submitted his resignation, with the King inviting Mr Burnham to form a government. "I now pass the baton to Andy Burnham. I wish him every success. He has my full support," Sir Keir Starmer said in his resignation address. In his inaugural speech outside Downing Street, Mr Burnham pledged to provide early "breathing space" for families grappling with the cost of living crisis, committed to ending rough sleeping and outlined his vision to "reindustrialise Britain". The new PM said he would deliver "a new political model and a new economic model" for Britain. It was, he said, a moment for "reflection and new resolution", adding that: "Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again". He continued: "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. We will be. "We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years – a new political model and a new economic model." Sir John Healey emerged as Mr Burnham's most significant appointment, assuming the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer. In a statement posted on X, he said: "It is the greatest privilege to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by the Prime Minister. Together, we will build a new economy, build new hope and advance the working people of this country. Time to get on with the job." The reshuffled Cabinet saw former Labour leader Ed Miliband handed the Foreign Secretary brief, while Yvette Cooper was moved to the health portfolio. Bridget Phillipson was removed from her position as education secretary but secured a new role as Minister for Women and Equalities, and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner was installed as Housing Secretary. Louise Haigh, a close confidante of Mr Burnham who played a crucial part in securing his path to No 10, has been appointed First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, handing her a troubleshooting remit across Whitehall. Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who stepped down from Sir Keir Starmer's government, had been viewed as a possible leadership contender before throwing his weight behind Mr Burnham. He was unveiled as the new Defence Secretary on Monday evening. A number of senior figures kept their posts, including Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Meanwhile, Labour stalwart Pat McFadden will hold on to his position as Work and Pensions Secretary. Within an hour of stepping through the doors of No 10, Mr Burnham spoke directly with US President Donald Trump, who subsequently wished him "good luck" in a post on Truth Social. The American leader went on to say that the new PM "has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it" and promised that the US "will be there to help". Mr Burnham also held talks with a number of other prominent world leaders on Monday, amongst them Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. EU President Antonio Costa took to X to offer his congratulations to Mr Burnham on his appointment. He said: "In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our cooperation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses. The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together." Follow our live blog for the latest politics news by clicking here.