Britain gets its seventh Prime Minister in a decade as Andy Burnham takes charge

London: Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's new prime minister on Monday after Labour leader Keir Starmer formally tenders his resignation to King Charles III.

Starmer will travel from 10 Downing Street to Buckingham Palace to submit his resignation, bringing an end to his two-year tenure. Burnham, who was elected Labour leader following Starmer's departure, will then be invited by the King to form a government in a long-standing constitutional ceremony known as "kissing hands". Once the invitation is accepted, Burnham will officially become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade.

The 56-year-old returned to Parliament in June after winning a by-election and was sworn in as an MP on 12 July. He takes office after Labour moved swiftly to replace Starmer following poor local election results and a sharp decline in public support.

Under Britain's parliamentary system, a governing party can replace its leader during a parliamentary term without holding a general election. The next nationwide poll is due by 2029, although Burnham has the authority to call an election earlier.

After meeting the King, Burnham is expected to return to Downing Street, where he will deliver his first address as prime minister outside Number 10.

The leadership transition also marks another chapter in a period of political instability in Britain. Burnham will become the country's seventh prime minister since 2016, and Labour hopes his appointment will bring greater stability after years of rapid changes at the top.

As preparations continued at Downing Street, attention also turned to one of its most recognisable residents — Larry, the resident cat of Number 10. The former rescue cat has lived at the prime minister's residence since 2011 and has outlasted six previous prime ministers, becoming an enduring symbol of continuity in British politics.