Britain’s new PM Andy Burnham declares ‘circuit breaker’ as he vows biggest shake-up in 40 years

LONDON — Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that the United Kingdom is at a historic turning point, promising the biggest political and economic transformation in four decades as he took office following an audience with King Charles III.

Standing outside 10 Downing Street on Monday after being invited by the King to form a government, Burnham acknowledged Britain’s years of political turmoil before promising to restore stability, rebuild the economy and “bring back hope.”

“I have accepted His Majesty the King’s invitation to form a government,” Burnham announced as he addressed the nation for the first time as Prime Minister.

But rather than celebrating his arrival in office, Burnham immediately turned his attention to what he described as Britain’s prolonged political instability.

“I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last ten years to walk up this street, the seventh Prime Minister since 2016,” he said.

“It requires my generation of politicians to raise our game.”

‘Britain needs a circuit breaker’

In one of the defining moments of his speech, Burnham declared that Britain needs nothing less than a “circuit breaker.”

“We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last forty years.”

He said both Britain’s political system and economic model would be fundamentally reshaped.

Burnham criticised the legacy of the 1980s, arguing that excessive centralisation of political power, widespread privatisation and de-industrialisation had left many communities behind.

“In the 1980s, Britain took some wrong turns,” he said.

He argued that many towns and cities still feel trapped in decline because decisions affecting their future are made far away in Westminster.

Power to every postcode

One of Burnham’s biggest promises was to shift power away from central government.

“We will take power out of here and carry it into every postcode in the land.”

The new Prime Minister also pledged stronger public control over essential services in a bid to reduce living costs.

He promised to use government purchasing power to support British manufacturers and help re-industrialise the country.

10-year masterplan for Britain

Burnham announced that later this year he will unveil what he described as a comprehensive 10-year plan to reshape Britain.

The strategy, he said, would provide a long-term roadmap regardless of political divisions.

He also promised immediate action to ease pressure on households struggling with the cost of living.

“I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.”

Jobs, housing and mental health

Burnham pledged reforms aimed at helping young people into employment through changes to education and expanded mental health support.

He also promised a major programme to build more council houses.

According to Burnham, investing in people before problems develop would ultimately reduce welfare spending while allowing Britain to meet its fiscal rules and defence commitments.

First order: End rough sleeping

Perhaps the most striking announcement came near the end of the speech.

Burnham revealed that his very first instruction after entering Number 10 would be aimed at ending rough sleeping.

“I will soon go through that door behind me and issue my first instruction: to end rough sleeping in our country.”

The commitment echoes one of Burnham’s long-standing priorities during his years as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

‘Let’s bring back hope’

Burnham ended his address with an appeal for unity after years of political division.

“I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do.”

“I will give this my all.”

Calling on the public to work together, he concluded:

“Let’s build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity.”

“Let us make this the moment when Britain starts to believe again.”

“The moment we bring back hope.”