Andy Burnham Becomes UK’s New Prime Minister After Meeting King Charles III

Exam-focused facts from the 23 July 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Andy Burnham became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) on 20 July 2026 after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
He succeeded Keir Starmer, who resigned as Prime Minister and Labour leader.
Burnham became Labour leader unopposed after no rival entered the leadership race.
He returned to Parliament in June 2026 after winning a by-election, having previously left Westminster in 2017 to become Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Burnham is the seventh UK Prime Minister in 10 years.