Andy Burnham, 56, leader of the United Kingdom Labor Party, officially took office as the 59th British prime minister on the 20th local time. In his first address to the nation, Prime Minister Burnham said, "We have not done well enough," pledging to revamp state affairs and naming easing the cost-of-living burden and restoring economic stability as top priorities.
In his inaugural speech outside 10 Downing St. in London, Prime Minister Burnham said, "This is a time for self-reflection and renewed resolve," adding, "We must show the world that Britain can regain stability."
Burnham said, "People are sick and tired of politics," adding, "We have not done well enough. But we will from now on." The remarks are seen as acknowledging public distrust of the ruling establishment and signaling an effort to rebuild trust through pragmatic policies.
Instead of announcing a specific cabinet lineup or detailed policies, Prime Minister Burnham laid out the broad direction for governing. Citing excessive centralization and concentration of economic power as problems in British society, he put forward "expanding local autonomy," "strengthening public control over essential services," and "restoring industrial competitiveness through public procurement" as key tasks.
He placed particular emphasis on stabilizing people's livelihoods. Prime Minister Burnham said, "We will give people breathing room," and "We will do things that help with the cost of living."
He also mentioned plans for education reform for younger generations, expanded mental health support, and increased public housing supply. He said, "Building more public housing is a fair and sustainable way to reduce welfare spending, keep to fiscal rules, and fulfill our international commitments on defense."
Prime Minister Burnham said he will present within the year a long-term plan setting out a 10-year development strategy for the United Kingdom. He said, "We will set out a path toward the kind of Britain everyone wants, regardless of where they are from or which party they support."
Burnham's inauguration is seen as a starting point for a Labor Party government to embark on rebuilding trust in a British society facing economic stagnation, high living costs, and political distrust. However, as fiscal pressures mount, whether the government can expand public investment while achieving fiscal soundness is viewed as a major task ahead.