Andy Burnham becomes British PM and provides AUKUS hints in first speech

Andy Burnham has pledged to provide immediate cost-of-living relief for Brits and “do politics differently” in his first speech after becoming prime minister.

The new PM spoke without a lectern, something that represents a significant break with British tradition, and was surrounded by supporters on Downing Street. Speaking outside his new official residence at 10 Downing Street shortly before 1pm local time (10pm AEST) on Monday, Mr Burnham also gave his clearest signal yet he does not plan to alter the AUKUS defence partnership, in which Australia has already invested billions of dollars.

Foreign leaders, including Australia’s Anthony Albanese, were quick to congratulate Mr Burnham, a former long-time MP who had until last month served as the mayor of Greater Manchester.

While Mr Burnham has said little about foreign policies in the past few weeks, he did say on Monday Britain would honour its “defence commitments to international partners” in the clearest sign yet he does not plan to try to tinker with the AUKUS pact. Later on Monday, Mr Burnham spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone, and invited him to Manchester. Mr Trump has previously mocked Mr Burnham as the “mayor of some town”.

Mr Burnham’s front bench will look vastly different to Sir Keir’s, having sacked several MPs already.