Andy Burnham has pledged to deliver a “circuit breaker for Britain” as he assumed office as the United Kingdom’s prime minister after being invited by King Charles III to form a government at Buckingham Palace.

Burnham, the fifth UK prime minister in four years, travelled to 10 Downing Street after formally accepting the King’s invitation and delivered his first speech as prime minister, promising sweeping reforms to tackle the country’s economic and social challenges.

“We need to be better,” Burnham said.

“This moment will be a circuit breaker for Britain,” he added, announcing that his government would unveil measures to address the cost of living crisis beginning on Tuesday.

The new prime minister also pledged to end rough sleeping, increase the construction of council homes and honour the UK’s defence commitments as part of his administration’s priorities.

Burnham assumed the Labour Party leadership on Friday and is expected to present a broader 10-year plan for the country later this year, setting out his long-term vision for Britain’s future.

European leaders have also congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming prime minister, seizing the opportunity to call for closer EU-UK relations.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she looked forward to working with Burnham for the “prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel”.

She said in a post on X: “Congratulations, dear Andy Burnham, on your confirmation as prime minister.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership.

“For the security of our shared continent. And the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel.”

Echoing her calls for closer ties, president of the

European Council Antonio Costa said: “In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our co-operation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.

“The UK and the EU are stronger together.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the First Minister of Wales, urged Burnham not to bypass the Welsh parliament and called for an early meeting.

“I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as prime minister, which presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments,” he said.

“I know that Andy Burnham shares my belief in the power of devolution to improve the lives of the people we serve.

“I look forward to an early meeting with the new prime minister to agree how we can give Wales the powers it needs to grow the economy and build a fairer, more prosperous future for all.”

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese also congratulated the Makerfield MP on his new role.

He said: “Congratulations prime minister Burnham on your appointment as prime minister of the UK.

“Australia and the UK are longstanding friends, allies and partners, united by shared values and deep ties between our peoples.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and promote security, resilience and prosperity in the years ahead.”

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to the new prime minister.

“Italy and the UK are bound by a deep friendship and a collaboration that, over the years, has grown ever stronger, also thanks to our joint work on key dossiers fundamental to our nations: from managing migratory flows to the major international crises, always addressed with a great spirit of collaboration.

“I am certain that we will continue down this path, strengthening our strategic partnership in the interest of our nations and our citizens.” (Arise News)