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PTC News Desk: Andy Burnham has been officially confirmed as the new leader of the UK's ruling Labour Party and is set to become the country's next Prime Minister when he takes office at 10 Downing Street next week.

Burnham was the only candidate in the leadership race after Keir Starmer announced his resignation last month. In his first speech as leader, Burnham promised to put Britain on a "new path" by reducing political divisions and giving more power to local governments instead of concentrating it in Westminster.

In his first speech as party leader, Burnham said this was Labour's “last chance” to deliver the change promised at the general election in July 2024. He said, “We are going to give people hope back,” and added that he was “ready to lead, building on the foundations laid by Keir Starmer”, while thanking the outgoing leader for his “service to the country”.

He said his government would help local areas build more affordable homes, improve high streets, support small businesses such as pubs and shops, and boost industrial growth. Burnham also said he wanted every region and nation in the UK to benefit from economic development.

The former Greater Manchester mayor criticised the Conservative Party's privatisation policies that began in the 1980s under former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He argued that essential services such as housing, water, energy and transport should have greater public control, saying past privatisation had increased costs for ordinary people.

Burnham said his government would focus on creating an economy that benefits people across the country and makes life more affordable. He called the change in leadership the biggest shift in British politics in the past 40 years.

He also said he had not yet finalised his Cabinet but promised to include MPs from all sections of the Labour Party to promote unity. Burnham said his government would work for "forgotten places" across the UK and remain true to Labour's values.