LONDON, July 17 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) — Andy Burnham thanked outgoing United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he said he was “ready to lead,” reported PA Media/dpa.
Burnham spoke shortly after being named the new leader of the Labour Party, putting him on track to become the next British prime minister within days.
“This is a proud moment you have given me and my family today, an emotional one.
“But it is one for which I am ready. I am ready, ready to lead and to build on the foundation laid by one person more than any other.
“Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, we went from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in our history.
“Keir put Labour back in a position to change people’s lives, and that is what we have been doing these last two years.”
Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, praised policies such as expansions of workers’ and renters’ rights, falling waiting lists for the National Health Service, rail renationalisation and the passing of the Hillsborough Law – “the biggest rebalancing of the scales of justice this country has ever seen”.
He added: “Today, we thank Keir for his service to our party and to our country.”
— BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa