Wales’ First Minister has congratulated Andy Burnham after he became the UK’s new prime minister, replacing Sir Keir Starmer following his election as Labour leader last week.
Burnham becomes the country’s fourth prime minister in five years and the seventh since 2016.
Reacting to the appointment, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said he hoped the change in leadership would provide an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments.
He said:
“I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister, which presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments.
“I know that Andy Burnham shares my belief in the power of devolution to improve the lives of the people we serve.
“In that spirit, I hope we can speak the same language when it comes to devolving powers out of Westminster by strengthening, not bypassing, Wales’s national parliament and its ability to empower people and communities.
“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.”
Further announcements from the new prime minister are expected today as his Cabinet meets for the first time.
Burnham has pledged to provide “breathing space” for households facing the cost of living crisis and is expected to unveil new support measures. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after taking office, he said details of the plans would be announced on Tuesday.
Late on Monday evening, Burnham completed appointments to his senior ministerial team. John Healey has been named Chancellor, Ed Miliband becomes Foreign Secretary, Angela Rayner returns to government as Housing Secretary, and Wes Streeting has been appointed Defence Secretary.
The prime minister is also expected to appoint junior ministers later today.
In his first address to the nation, Burnham said he wanted to deliver the “biggest changes in the last 40 years” to British politics.
He also announced plans to publish a 10 year “new plan for Britain” later this year, setting out his long term vision for the country.
As part of his first day in office, Burnham said he would outline measures designed to “give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living” and explain how his government intends to fund them
