Andy Burnham appointed UK prime minister

(Sharecast News) - Keir Starmer has formally stepped down as the UK's prime minister, just two years after Labour won the general election in an historic landslide, to be replaced by Andy Burnham. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace, Starmer said he was closing "the book on my time on prime minister. My work is done."

He continued: "As I pass the baton to Andy Burnham, I wish him every success. He has my full support.

"For all the focus on individuals, politics will always be a team sport.

"I go with good grace, I go with a smile on my face, and I go proud of everything we have achieved."

He then left to meet with King Charles to formally tender his resignation. The king met with Burnham directly afterwards to confirm his appointment as Starmer's replacement.

Labour came to power two years ago with a significant majority but Starmer lost the support of the parliamentary party, paving the way for Burnham to take over. The former Greater Manchester mayor, who has twice run and failed to become party leader, was elected as a MP last month before being confirmed as party leader last week. There were no other contenders for the role.

He becomes the country's 59th prime minister and the sixth after David Cameron stepped down in 2016.