LONDON, July 17. /Dunyo IA/. Andy Burnham has been announced as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party. His candidacy was supported by 379 of the 403 Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing the BBC.

Andy Burnham is expected to take office as the country’s prime minister on July 20 after formal approval by King Charles III, replacing Keir Starmer.

Speaking at a extraordinary party conference, the new Labour leader said the party needed a new political direction focused on supporting local communities and creating conditions for economic growth that would benefit citizens.

In his speech, the party leader thanked colleagues for their broad support. “We are united and we put the power that comes from that unity at the service of people and places who have been waiting too long for politics to let them hope again. And that’s what we’re going to do, everybody. We’re going to give them hope back,” he said.

Andy Burnham was previously elected mayor of Greater Manchester three times, earning him the nickname “King of the North.” His priorities in that role included expanding public transport, increasing access to affordable housing, and improving healthcare.

At the end of June, he returned to the House of Commons to take part in the contest for the party leadership and the position of prime minister. In a by-election in the Makerfield constituency, he defeated the candidate from the “Reform UK” party.

Andy Burnham describes his political views as socialist and focused on the interests of the economy. He opposed the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and previously criticized government decisions on social support measures and policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.