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London. Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester and MP for Makerfield, has been elected as the new leader of Britain’s ruling Labor Party. After which he was handed over the responsibility of party leadership unopposed in a special conference held in central London. With this, the way has been cleared for him to become the next Prime Minister of Britain. Burnham took oath as Prime Minister on Monday. In his historic first speech since being elected leader of the Labor Party, Andy Burnham delivered an “I’m in” message and vowed to lead the country in a new political direction.

‘New politics’ and promise to give priority to the working class

Burnham said the focus of his government would be to give the country’s working class back dignity, hope and a strong future. He said every part of Britain—be it the north and south of England, Scotland or Wales—would be given equal importance and a stronger voice. Criticizing the current political system, he said that the people are fed up with traditional politics. According to him, centralization of political power and privatization of economic sectors in the last decades have increased the burden on common people for basic needs like housing, energy, water and transportation.

Emphasis on social care and public interest issues

The new Labor leader said his politics would not be limited to election statistics and numbers alone. He will prioritize long neglected issues like social care and work towards concrete solutions. He called for unity in the party, saying they would develop a culture of ‘one Labor team’. Leaders belonging to different ideologies and factions of the party will be included in his cabinet.

Thanks to Keir Starmer

In his speech Andy Burnham praised the contribution of former Prime Minister and Labor leader Keir Starmer. He said that under Starmer’s leadership the party bounced back from a major defeat and achieved a major victory and strengthened Britain’s image internationally. Burnham said the Labor Party would now try to win back the confidence of the industrial and working-class sectors that had historically given the party a strong base. Recalling his political journey, he said that in 2009, from Anfield (Liverpool), he realized that Britain’s system was not working well enough for the working class.

Leader elected unopposed after record support

At the Labor Party conference Home Minister Shabana Mahmood announced that Andy Burnham was the only eligible candidate. He received 379 nominations from MPs, while also receiving support from all 11 trade unions and social organizations associated with the party. After meeting the prescribed criteria he was declared the new leader of the Labor Party unopposed.

Preparations for transfer of power intensified in Downing Street

Before Andy Burnham becomes the Prime Minister, preparations for the transfer of power have intensified in Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister. Burnham will take charge of the British government after the formal process is completed on Monday. He will face big challenges regarding the country’s economy, public services, health system and issues to the working class. Now all eyes will be on how Burnham implements her declared “new politics”.

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