Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister promising a ’10-year plan for the country’

Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister promising a ’10-year plan for the country’Mr Burnham became Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer resigned saying ‘my work is done’ after two years in No 10.King Charles III welcomes Andy Burnham, during an audience at Buckingham Palace, London, where he invited the leader of the Labour Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government (Aaron Chown/PA).PA Wire

Andy Burnham has become the UK’s new Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

Mr Burnham comes into power claiming to have a decade-long plan to change the UK and hinting at cuts to personal taxes.

In his final appearance in Downing Street, Sir Keir said “my work is done” and he was leaving the country “stronger and fairer” than when he took office just two years ago.

The King with Sir Keir Starmer who visited Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation (Aaron Chown/PA)PA Wire

Mr Burnham enters office promising a “10-year plan for the country” as “I think that’s what it needs” to address some of the fundamental issues holding the UK back.

But he added: “I’m not saying that means I’m setting out to say I’m going to be here for 10 years. It’s more that we’re not in the right place structurally.”

In his first Downing Street speech he will promise to give people “breathing room” against the rising cost of living.

He will urge the country to be honest about the challenges it faces and will call for “reflection and resolution”.

He will also say he is “acutely conscious” that the UK has had seven prime ministers in a little over 10 years, stressing the need for more stable and responsible politics and pledging to restore faith in government.

In an attempt to address critics’ claims that he will hike taxes, Mr Burnham focused on concerns about the tax-free personal allowance.

Mr Burnham told The Times that “frustration” about the five-year-long freeze in the £12,570 limit on how much can be earned before paying income tax had “lodged in my mind” during his campaign to win the Makerfield by-election.

“They’re just characterising me as a tax raiser,” he said. “Well, again, it’s never that simplistic, is it?”

Mr Burnham became Prime Minister after “kissing hands” with the King – the private ceremony by which he accepts the invitation to form a government.

The carefully choreographed handover of power came after Sir Keir had his own audience with Charles to resign formally.

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Before heading to the Palace, Sir Keir said “my work is done” and “I go with a smile” in his final speech in front of his wife Lady Victoria Starmer, colleagues and friends in Downing Street.

Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria leave Downing Street for the final time (Ben Birchall/PA)PA Wire

His final exit from No 10 was quieter than when he announced he would be resigning as a Metropolitan Police ban prevented protesters including anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray from playing loud music outside Downing Street to drown out his words.

Sir Keir said: “I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.”

After a brief audience with the King, Buckingham Palace announced Sir Keir had tendered his resignation which Charles was “graciously pleased to accept”.