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Andy Burnham officially became the UK's prime minister on Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to formally accept the role.

Photographs released by Buckingham Palace showed Burnham, dressed in a dark suit and tie, standing alongside the King during the audience.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles III invited Burnham to form a new government.

"The King this afternoon received the Rt Hon Andy Burnham and requested him to form a new Administration. Mr Burnham accepted His Majesty's offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury," the statement said.

The Palace added that Burnham's wife, Marie-France van Heel, was also present at the meeting.

Kier Starmer Bids Farewell

Andy Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer as Labour leader on Friday, formally accepted his appointment as prime minister shortly after Starmer visited Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation to King Charles III.

The former Greater Manchester mayor then travelled to 10 Downing Street, where he addressed the media before unveiling his new Cabinet.

Seventh Leader In 10 years

Burnham returned to Parliament only last month after winning a by-election triggered by his allies, paving the way for him to replace Starmer. The leadership change followed growing unrest within the Labour Party after Starmer lost the backing of several MPs and ministers amid a series of political setbacks and policy U-turns.

With no rival entering the leadership race, Burnham became Labour leader—and consequently prime minister—unopposed, without a formal contest.

Although Rishi Sunak also assumed office without a leadership ballot in 2022, he had recently contested the Conservative leadership against Liz Truss and had served in the Cabinet until shortly before becoming prime minister.

Burnham, meanwhile, had previously served as an MP and Cabinet minister but left Westminster in 2017 after being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, returning to Parliament only last month.