Who is Andy Burnham, the U.K.'s new prime minister?

NPR reports that Andy Burnham, the former Manchester Mayor, succeeded Keir Starmer as United Kingdom prime minister on Monday following Burnham's election as Labour Party leader. The article frames Burnham's political development through the lens of England's north-south class divide, suggesting regional economic inequality has shaped his policy priorities. This reporting is corroborated by multiple major outlets (NYT, AP, CBS, Axios) that confirm Burnham's ascension as Labour leader and his swearing-in as the UK's 59th prime minister, with consistent details about the transition timeline. Readers should monitor Burnham's early policy announcements and any shifts in Labour's approach to regional economic policy, particularly regarding northern England, as well as his handling of the circumstances surrounding Starmer's departure.