Burnham is Labour chief, to take over as PM on July 20

LONDON: Andy Burnham promised to bring hope to the British people and purpose to the country’s floundering Labour govt as he was officially declared party leader on Friday, clearing his final hurdle to take office as prime minister on July 20.The former mayor of Greater Manchester was the only contender in the centre-left party’s leadership contest to replace departing PM Keir Starmer. Friday’s announcement was a foregone conclusion after Burnham secured nominations from 379 of the 403 Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons.”We’re going to give them hope back,” Burnham, 56, told an audience of lawmakers, party activists and trade union leaders in his first speech as leader. “This is a proud moment you have given me and my family today, and an emotional one, but it is one for which I am ready.”He sketched out some priorities in Friday’s speech, promising to deliver “hope in every heart” and “good growth in every postcode,” in part by transferring power from central govt in London to local leaders in cities and regions. “We will take power back from Westminster and Whitehall and give it to the place you live,” he told the audience. “More power over life’s essentials so you can make them work better.”Starmer will remain prime minister until Monday, when he formally tenders his resignation to King Charles III. The king will then ask Burnham to form a govt. Britain’s parliamentary democracy allows governing parties to change leaders, and thus prime ministers, without the need for a general election. The next national election doesn’t have to be held until 2029. AP