Burnham, 56, is the seventh British Prime Minister in ten years. He succeeds Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation in June after several political setbacks. In his first speech, the new premier promised a ten-year plan and a “new political and economic model for Britain.”
Burnham is considered a classic social democratic Labour politician. He announced plans to bring water, energy, housing, and public transport back under stronger public control and to shift power from London to the regions. A full return to the European Union seems ruled out under his leadership.
The new premier faces major challenges: Britain’s economy is struggling, and the population is suffering from a housing shortage and high energy costs. Announcements on measures to create more fiscal room are expected as early as today. The composition of the cabinet, particularly the post of finance minister, is eagerly awaited.
Source: www.spiegel.de
