Burnham pledges change in first address: 'We must be better'

In his first address to the nation after assuming office as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, Labour Party leader Andy Burnham has promised change, accountability, and long-term reform, declaring that politicians "must be better."

Speaking after officially receiving the invitation to form a government from King Charles III, Burnham announced that his administration holds a 10-year master plan to shape the future of the UK. He pledged major overhauls across housing, education, and the economy, alongside immediate measures to tackle the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Burnham, who takes over following the resignation of his predecessor Keir Starmer, acknowledged that public trust in politics has eroded. Admitting to past failures, he stated that politicians have fallen short of public expectations and insisted that the time has come to alter the status quo.

The new Prime Minister asserted that his government aims to deliver the most significant changes the country has seen in four decades. He highlighted decentralization as a core priority, aiming to break down the overly London-centric administrative structure to grant more power and decision-making authority to local levels.

Reflecting on the nation's recent political volatility, Burnham reminded the public that he is the UK's seventh prime minister since 2016. He noted that frequent leadership changes damage political stability and emphasized that the current generation of politicians must raise their sense of responsibility and the quality of their work.

Restoring the country's lost stability stands as the primary objective of the new government, Burnham stated. He announced that various programs will be implemented starting tomorrow to curb the rising cost of living and offer relief to ordinary citizens, adding that the funding sources for these plans will be disclosed progressively.

Housing reform featured heavily in the Prime Minister's address. Burnham stated that his very first directive upon taking office would be to launch initiatives aimed at eradicating homelessness and rough sleeping. He also outlined plans to boost the construction of council homes to reduce the financial pressure on welfare funds.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister promised comprehensive reforms to the education system, expanded employment opportunities for young people, and the extension of state support for mental health services.

To strengthen the economy, Burnham detailed plans to increase state control over essential services, protect the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, and revitalize British industries.

Concluding his speech, Burnham announced that his government will publish a comprehensive 10-year national master plan later this year to chart the course for the UK's long-term development.