Andy Burnham confirmed as new Labour leader, U.K. PM-designate

Andy Burnham arrives for a labour party leadership special conference in London, on July 17, 2026. | Photo Credit: AP Andy Burnham was on Friday (July 17, 2026) confirmed as the newly elected leader of the U.K.’s governing Labour Party, becoming the Prime Minister-designate to take charge at 10 Downing Street next week.Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) chair Shabana Mahmood made the announcement at a special party conference in London.“There was only one nominated MP… hardly a nail biter,” she said.On Monday (July 20, 2026), Mr. Burnham will be invited by King Charles III to form a new government after outgoing PM Keir Starmer formally tenders his resignation to the monarch. Published - July 17, 2026 05:06 pm IST