20/07/2026 22:02 - Internacionales
On July 20, 2026, the United Kingdom began a new chapter in its political history with the assumption of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister. At 56 years old, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and Leader of the Labour Party arrived at 10 Downing Street after receiving the formal commission from King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, succeeding Keir Starmer, who resigned after 2 years in office.
Burnham became the seventh head of government in the country in the last decade, a period marked by political instability since the Brexit referendum in 2016. His predecessors in this turbulent period were David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, and Starmer himself. With an optimistic and hopeful tone, the new leader promised a change of course: This is a moment for reflection and a new determination. The UK needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again, he stated. Securing the support of 379 Labour MPs, his mandate follows his successful tenure as Manchester Mayor from 2017 to 2026.
One of the first measures announced by Burnham was the allocation of £340 million (around $457 million) to end rough sleeping. The Prime Minister rejected the idea that this goal would take decades, showing an ambition he had already tried to implement during his time in Manchester.
With his northern roots as a distinctive hallmark, Burnham raised the need to decentralize political and economic power, taking it out of London to bring it to every corner of the country. He also anticipated a 10-year plan and immediate measures to alleviate the cost of living.
To achieve his goals, Burnham announced a cabinet that combines experience and continuity with the previous government:
| Position | Holder |
|---|---|
| Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Minister) | John Healey (Former Defense Secretary) |
| Foreign Secretary | Ed Miliband (Former Labour Leader, 2010-2015) |
| Health Secretary | Yvette Cooper |
| Home Secretary | Shabana Mahmood (Retains the position) |
Despite his busy schedule on his first day, Burnham found time to communicate with world leaders. In a call with US President Donald Trump, he emphasized his commitment to defense and security. He also reaffirmed the UK's support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid recent Russian attacks.
In Latin America, the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was one of the first to congratulate him. Through his social networks, Lula proposed strengthening the bilateral alliance, expanding trade and investments, and working in a coordinated manner to strengthen democracy and multilateralism.
Sources: CNN Español, Infobae and La Nación.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
