The U.K. appoints its seventh prime minister in a decade later today as Andy Burnham is sworn in:
U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed Burnham's plan to fast-track oil and gas exploration in the North Sea:
"We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain," Burnham said in his first speech as premier:
Andy Burnham became the U.K.'s 59th Prime Minister, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, who resigned in June:
New era for North Sea oil?
U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed Burnham's plan to fast-track oil and gas exploration in already-licensed fields in the North Sea:
Trump called North Sea oil "invaluable," adding it will take the U.K. from a "Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!"
The British economy has struggled for momentum in recent years. U.K. GDP is projected to grow by just 0.8% in 2026:
Burnham replaces outgoing Starmer
Starmer announced last month that he would step down after a series of policy U-turns:
Burnham returned to parliament just weeks ago, winning a by-election in Makerfield:
He previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester:
"I am ready," Burnham told supporters:
