Following the official announcement of the results of his internal election, in which he ran without opponents and received the support of 94% of the parliamentary group, Andy Burnham, the new leader, expressed gratitude for the support received from MPs, trade unions, and party structures.
Burnham stated that this election represents a cry coming from 'forgotten places' across the country, aiming to recover 'the Labour Party they knew'. He guaranteed that the objective is to 'give them back hope'. The leader committed to guiding a more united party, free from internal disputes, and adopting a policy focused on results rather than concentrating on partisan confrontations.
The new leader praised his predecessor, Keir Starmer, crediting him with taking the party 'from its worst defeat to one of the greatest victories in the history' of the formation. Among the achievements mentioned are the strengthening of labor rights, the reduction of waiting lists in the public health system, the nationalization of trains, and the approval of the 'Hillsborough Law'. On the other hand, Burnham criticized the guidelines followed since the 1980s, arguing that they centralized economic and political power, intensified regional disparities, and weakened industrial cities.
He emphasized that the four decades of neoliberalism initiated in the 80s have not benefited either the party's home grounds or communities across the UK, covering rural and coastal areas. Burnham advocated for a change of direction, proposing greater public control over essential services such as housing, water, energy, and transport, in addition to implementing a reindustrialization strategy to return decision-making power to the regions. Among his priorities, he cited strengthening the party's internal cohesion and promoting a 'new policy' with a clear labour inclination.
Burnham declared that the party could be one that transfers more power to the people, drives positive growth in all postcodes, and brings hope to everyone, allowing the country to reunite and overcome recent divisions. Finally, he assured that he will maintain a leadership close to the citizens, stating: 'I will not change. I have a style. It is my style. I will always keep my feet on the ground, close to the people.'
It is expected that Andy Burnham will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Monday, following Keir Starmer's formal resignation to King Charles III. The monarch will then invite Burnham to form a government as the leader of the majority party, without triggering legislative elections.
Andy Burnham publicly apologized for how the Labour Party reacted to the genocide in Israel in Gaza, admitting that the party 'got it wrong' and must take additional steps. These statements signal a possible shift in the UK's approach to Israel as Burnham prepares to become Prime Minister.
Burnham noted that the 'unbearable suffering' in Gaza is a 'scar on our collective conscience.' He also criticized the constantly expanding occupation of territory in Gaza, emphasizing the need to put more pressure on the Israeli government.
He praised the actions of the Kira Starmer government, including recognizing Palestine, imposing sanctions on ultra-right-wing Israeli ministers, and banning the supply of 'British bombs or bullets' to Israel. However, Burnham stated that the UK was too slow in calling for a ceasefire and insists that the country's approach needs to be strengthened.
According to Burnham, Israel continues to violate the ceasefire agreement, and there is also an increase in settler violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He believes that the Netanyahu government intends to make a two-state solution impossible.
Burnham promised to consider imposing additional sanctions on Israeli settlers and banning trade with Israeli settlements. His statement is under close scrutiny given the expectation that he will become the UK Prime Minister next month.
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester returned to Parliament last month following the elections in Macherfield. This month, MPs plan to gather to nominate the next leader. Burnham was cautious in his remarks, condemning the attack organized by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, as well as antisemitic attacks in the UK.
Although his criticism of Israel differs from Starmer's rhetoric, it is unlikely to satisfy many Palestinian supporters in the UK or those dissatisfied with the UK's close ties to Israel. For example, Burnham declined to comment on whether Israel committed genocide in Gaza. The UN and dozens of human rights groups and experts have recognized the Israeli war in the enclave as genocide, resulting in the death of over 73,000 Palestinians.
Burnham noted that 'the evidence of war crimes being committed is growing,' but added that the decision should be made by 'international courts, not politicians.' The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant in November 2024 on charges of crimes against humanity in Gaza. Middle East Eye reported in June 2025 that David Cameron, former British Foreign Secretary, secretly threatened Karim Khan, the UK's chief prosecutor at the ICC, in April 2024, threatening to cut funding and withdraw from the ICC if he issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
