The UK’s new Prime Minister has a track record on alcohol policy – What the industry needs to know

Andy Burnham was formally appointed UK Prime Minister today, 20 July 2026, following an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Burnham – the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and Member of Parliament for Makerfield – becomes the UK’s 59th Prime Minister and seventh in a decade, succeeding Keir Starmer who resigned as Labour leader following a party rebellion. Burnham was confirmed as Labour leader on 17 July 2026 after securing nominations from 379 of the 403 Labour MPs. He was the only contender in the leadership contest. In his first speech as Prime Minister, Burnham pledged to “make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain” and prioritised devolution of power from central government to cities and regions, cost-of-living pressures, and economic growth including accelerated North Sea oil and gas exploration.