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2026-07-21
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The Papers: 'Burnham era begins' and 'King Kev'

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'Burnham era begins' and 'King Kev'Published3 hours agoImage caption, The papers are dominated by Andy Burnham's first day as prime minister of the UK. "Burnham era begins with radical pledge to transform UK" says the i Paper, in reference to the former mayor of Greater Manchester's inaugural speech on the steps of No 10. The paper notes that Burnham is the UK's seventh prime minister in a decade, but says he has vowed to "end the churn".Image caption, Burnham and his wife, Marie-France van Heel, beam on the front page of the Guardian, ahead of moving in to their new address. The paper focused on quotes from Burnham's speech on Monday, where he said his arrival in power would "bring back hope" to the UK as he acknowledged that Britons were "fed up" with politics. It also pointed to one of his first promises he has made as prime minister: to repair the damage caused to communities during the Thatcher era.Image caption, The Financial Times reports that Tuesday will see Burnham set out a package of measures to cut the cost of living, which could include options such as caps on bus fares, help with energy bills or a possible rent freeze. The new prime minister has "opened the door to flexibility within the fiscal rules", the paper says, adding that Burnham said on Monday that he was "acutely conscious" of the procession of prime ministers since the Brexit vote.Image caption, "Seventh heaven?" asks the Metro, in a nod to Burnham being the seventh British prime minister in a decade. The paper highlights some of the "bold promises" made by the new prime minister, declaring it the beginning of the "Burnham era".Image caption, "It starts now" declares the Daily Mirror, writing that Burnham will "hit the ground running" with immediate measures to help struggling families.Image caption, The Daily Mail takes a more cynical approach, reporting that Burnham has vowed the "biggest political changes for 40 years". The paper suggests people should "pray he knows what he's doing".Image caption, Burnham has kicked off his premiership by purging the cabinet of MPs loyal to Sir Keir Starmer, the Times writes. It reports that John Healey has been announced as chancellor, describing it as a "surprise choice" from Burnham. Other shifts include Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper to the Department of Health, and Angela Rayner's reinstatement as Minister for Housing.Image caption, Similarly, the Independent has the headline: "Burnham vows to be 'circuit-breaker' PM as he purges cabinet".Image caption, Healey's appointment as chancellor is the focus for the Telegraph, which like many others, characterises it as a "surprise move" from Burnham. The paper suggests it signals an increase in defence spending under Burnham's leadership, given Healey resigned from his position as defence secretary "saying the Treasury was 'unwilling' to spend the money needed to keep the country safe".Image caption, The Express wants to know how Burnham intends to "bring back hope" to the UK, suggesting that new prime minister was "sketchy on the details" in his speech outside No 10. The paper includes comment from Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick, who told the Express that "it's clear Andy Burnham is blagging it without a plan".Image caption, The headline on the front page of the Daily Star reads: "Andy: I have a cunning plan...".Image caption, The Sun is the only paper to lead on something other than Burnham, instead focusing on the death of former England footballer and manager Kevin Keegan at the age of 75. Featuring a full-page photograph of "King Kev" in his hey day, the paper says he was diagnosed with stomach cancer just six months ago. Sign up for our morning newsletter and get BBC News in your inbox.Related Internet LinksDaily ExpressDaily MailDaily MirrorDaily StarDaily TelegraphFinancial TimesGuardianIndependentMetroSunThe iTimes

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