--- title: "Andy Burnham to become the next UK Prime Minister: voting results and plans of the new government" description: "Andy Burnham will officially become the next UK Prime Minister, securing the support of 349 Labour MPs. He will take office on July 20, promising to maintain the level of support for Ukraine and form a \"broad\" cabinet. Keir Starmer is stepping down and is considering the post of NATO Secretary General. πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§πŸ›οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦" date: 2026-07-14T04:50:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/andy-burnham-next-uk-prime-minister-en tags: [andy-burnham, keir-starmer, uk-politics, labour-party, ukraine] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Andy Burnham to become the next UK Prime Minister: voting results and plans of the new government ![Andy Burnham and Labour leader Richard Holmes against the backdrop of political events in the UK](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/14/andy-burnham-next-uk-prime-minister/andy-burnham-next-uk-prime-minister-1.webp) Andy Burnham will officially become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The MP for Makerfield secured the decisive support of the Labour Party parliamentary party, garnering 349 votes. The entire current cabinet of Keir Starmer voiced their support for him. ### Voting results and timeline for taking office On Monday, Burnham received an additional 27 nominations, bringing the total number of votes to 349. Last week, this figure stood at 322 votes. Only 54 MPs have yet to decide, including the outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood, who is ineligible to nominate candidates due to her role as Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party. This result means that no other contender can now secure the required 81 nominations to enter the leadership race. It is expected that Burnham will officially replace Starmer as Leader of the Labour Party on Friday, July 17. By the following Monday, July 20, he will take up residence at Downing Street. ### New leader's plans and domestic policy During an online meeting with the parliamentary party, Burnham called on MPs to unite around his leadership. He promised to form a "broad" cabinet, following the traditions of the Labour movement. The appointments, which will be announced next week, are intended to reflect the contribution, experience, and dedication of representatives from all wings of the party. The new Prime Minister intends to create a "team and culture where everyone is valued, seen, and heard." His goal is to be accountable and open to MPs, ensuring feedback flows from the parliamentary party through local communities to the party leadership. The meeting began with a minute of silence in memory of Ann O'Donnell. Burnham stated that he would listen to the views of the deceased's family and friends and called for the police to be provided with the necessary resources and time to investigate her death. ### Relations with Starmer and legislative legacy Burnham expressed gratitude to Keir Starmer, who has been serving as Prime Minister in recent days. He specifically highlighted the passing of the "Hillsborough Act," emphasizing that the outgoing leader kept the promise made to the families of the victims of the 1989 tragedy. This law establishes a duty for officials to be open during investigations and was passed in honor of the families of the 97 people who died at Hillsborough Stadium, whom the police falsely blamed for the tragedy at the time. ### Foreign policy and reasons for the change of power Even before his official confirmation, Burnham revealed his plans regarding Ukraine, promising to continue support at the current level. He also outlined several key foreign policy priorities for his government. The political crisis in Britain intensified following the Labour Party's crushing defeat in the local elections. As early as May, a group of influential government members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, agreed on the necessity of changing the leadership. It was then that Burnham was named the main successor to Starmer. Keir Starmer, upon leaving office, could head one of the most influential structures in the world. According to media reports, he is considering the possibility of becoming the Secretary General of NATO.