What occurs as we speak as Andy Burnham turns into Prime Minister – Palace go to and main speech

Andy Burnham has a busy day ahead, and while most of today’s proceedings are rooted in ancient British history, he has a lot to get through before he takes the keys to Number 10

The King of the North is set to become Prime Minister today – as Andy Burnham takes on the baton from Keir Starmer. The latter announced earlier this month that he would be resigning from his role, with Burnham taking over as Labour Party leader unopposed on Friday.

This meant that his path to Downing Street was clear, despite there being no announcement of a snap General Election for the British public to have their say.

And while most of today’s proceedings are rooted in ancient British history, Burnham has a lot to get through before he takes the keys to Number 10.

What actually happens today?

• 11.15am: Keir Starmer will deliver his short farewell address outside 10 Downing Street.
• Late Morning: Starmer will travel the short distance to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation to King Charles III.
• Around 12noon: Shortly after Starmer’s departure, Andy Burnham will arrive at the Palace. King Charles III will ask him to form a government, officially making Burnham the Prime Minister in a private ceremony known as “kissing hands”.
• Around 12.30pm-1pm: Burnham will travel to Downing Street to address the nation for the first time as Prime Minister outside the famous black door.
• Afternoon: Burnham will move inside No. 10 to begin finalising and announcing his senior cabinet appointments.

The rest of the afternoon will be see most of Britain finding out about Cabinet announcements via social media, as has become the way these days.

Expected appointments include either Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband as Chancellor, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy are expected to remain in high profile roles – but exactly what those are are not yet confirmed.

For those wondering, Burnham must meet King Charles because he lacks the legal authority to govern until the monarch formally appoints him. During their private Buckingham Palace audience, the King exercises his “Royal Prerogative” to officially ask Burnham to form a government in his name.

This moment, historically called “kissing hands,” is the exact legal mechanism that transfers power. Only after accepting this commission does Burnham officially become Prime Minister and head to Downing Street where he’ll then give his speech and make his appointments.