Andy Burnham has rejected calls for a new General Election as he became Britain’s new Prime Minister.
Speaking to broadcasters just hours before being invited by King Charles to form a government, the former Manchester Mayor promised to deliver “a massive change in our politics” but brushed aside the need to seek a new mandate to govern.
Mr Burnham will enjoy a 166 Parliamentary majority to push through his agenda, a position won by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, in 2024.
Asked when he would call a General Election, Burnham said: “We’re in a parliamentary democracy and, as we’ve seen through time, if somebody can command the majority of the MPs in the House of Commons, obviously they then have the legitimacy to lead things forward.”
“I will lead forward consistent with the manifesto, which also talked about change.”
The incoming Prime Minister said he intended to build on the current Labour platform to deliver “a massive change in our politics”.
“I now want to work on the platform that Keir Starmer has left to deliver that change.”
Pressed on whether he would go beyond Labour’s manifesto commitments, Mr Burnham was unequivocal.
“I will stick to the manifesto,” he stressed, adding: “I will be bold and I will be true to what it says.
“There are big changes that I can implement coming from that manifesto.”
Mr Burnham said his programme would include devolving power away from Westminster and Whitehall and pursuing a new economic model.
“It’s about a new political model. It is about a new economic model for the country,” he said.
Reflecting on his arrival in Downing Street, Mr Burnham said: “I’m feeling ready. I’ve had a long journey to this point, but I am ready to leave.”
“As people will see, I am clear about what I want to do. I know what I think the country needs. I am ready to lead and make a difference.”
The incoming Prime Minister also admitted he was feeling the weight of the moment but insisted he was prepared for the challenge.
Mr Burnham said: “It’s obviously a big thing, isn’t it?
“I’ve been in politics a long time. I do bring a lot of experience, particularly from the ground up as mayor of Greater Manchester. I think that will make a difference in how I go about this role.
“So, of course, the nerves are there. But I’m also confident in what I’m doing, in what I’m about. As I said, I’m ready.”
Asked about his first conversations with world leaders, Mr Burnham said he would speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reassure him that Britain’s support remained unchanged.
“President Zelensky will be left in no doubt whatsoever that Britain’s support is steadfast. It is resolute. It will be there for him,” he said.
