Andy Burnham is set to formally become Britain’s next Prime Minister on Monday 20 July, following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation from the role last month. Before he can step through the door of Number 10, however, the former Greater Manchester Mayor must first complete a series of political and royal procedures, from confirmation as Labour leader to a private audience with King Charles III.
Burnham is expected to be formally confirmed as the new Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday 17 July, clearing the way for the transition of power to begin the following Monday morning. That morning, Starmer will hold a final briefing before departing Downing Street and travelling to Buckingham Palace, where he will formally tender his resignation to the King. Burnham will then attend the Palace himself, where the King is expected to invite him to form a new government, with Burnham likely to officially become Prime Minister at around 11.30am, immediately following that audience.
No room for a late challenger
Under Labour Party rules, any rival hoping to challenge for the leadership needed the formal backing of at least 81 MPs to appear on the ballot. Burnham secured 369 nominations out of 403 eligible Labour MPs, representing more than 91 per cent of the Parliamentary Labour Party, making it mathematically impossible for any other candidate to reach the required threshold. MP Catherine West was also nominated during the contest but gained just one nomination of her own, leaving the race effectively settled well before Friday’s confirmation and ruling out any prospect of a last-minute surprise challenger.
From Buckingham Palace to Downing Street’s black door
Once confirmed, Burnham will travel back to Downing Street as Prime Minister to deliver his first address to the nation from outside Number 10. The steps leading up to that moment blend modern political practice with centuries-old royal tradition. At Buckingham Palace, Burnham will take part in what is still referred to as the “Kissing of Hands,” despite the ceremony today being sealed with a formal handshake rather than any literal kissing, during which the Monarch formally asks the incoming leader to form a government.
The Letters of Last Resort and other duties
Among the more sobering responsibilities awaiting Burnham within his first hour in office is the writing of the Letters of Last Resort, four handwritten and identical letters addressed to the commanders of Britain’s Vanguard-class nuclear submarines, setting out instructions for what they should do in the event the UK is destroyed in a nuclear strike. Burnham will also be sworn in as a member of the Privy Council, taking an oath of loyalty that commits him to keeping government matters strictly confidential.
A ceremonial welcome to Number 10
Upon arriving at 10 Downing Street for the first time as Prime Minister, Burnham can expect a traditional welcome from civil service staff, who typically line the building’s foyer to applaud the new occupant of the role as he crosses the threshold into office.
