The British love a coronation. That’s how the arrival of Andy Burnham into 10 Downing Street is being described in the UK. On Friday, Burnham was “crowned” as Labour leader, after being the only party MP to secure enough nominations following Keir Starmer’s resignation. He is now confirmed as Britain’s prime minister.

Australians probably would call this something else: a leadership coup. For months, Burnham stalked Starmer to claim the Labour leadership. It was a meticulous campaign from the politician dubbed the “King of the North”. Via a byelection in the seat of Makerfield, Burnham has transplanted himself from the offices of the mayor of greater Manchester into the House of Commons and now Downing Street.

That he has done so reflects Labour’s desperation. Only two years ago, a Starmer-led Labour had won a decisive election victory. But the glow of victory quickly faded.

For nearly 18 months, the party has been in electoral freefall. Labour’s voting support, once hovering above 30%, plummeted to 17% in the spring. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has grown into the ascendant force of British politics, having established a consistent lead in the polls since May 2025.

For British Labour, Burnham is their great hope for revival. But the new PM faces many of the same challenges that confronted his predecessor in office. Is it possible to halt the march of........

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