King Charles III will invite Burnham to form a new government after Starmer formally tenders his resignation at Buckingham Palace. Burnham is then expected to deliver his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, outlining his priorities for the country.
The 56-year-old former Greater Manchester mayor said he wanted to end a decade of political instability and adopt a different approach to governing.
"What we ve been doing hasn t been working," Burnham told The Times. "I am going to try and do things in a different way."
In his first address as prime minister, Burnham is expected to acknowledge the need for greater political stability and outline plans to restore public confidence in government, ease the cost-of-living crisis, stimulate economic growth and devolve more powers to regional communities.
Attention will also focus on his first cabinet appointments, particularly who will succeed Rachel Reeves as finance minister.
Burnham, often dubbed the "King of the North" for his leadership as Greater Manchester mayor, was chosen by Labour lawmakers after Starmer resigned last month following a series of political setbacks, scandals and policy reversals.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said Burnham s experience outside Westminster gives him a better understanding of the bold reforms needed to deliver Labour s promises.
The new prime minister takes office at a difficult time, facing sluggish economic growth, rising government borrowing costs, increasing welfare spending, illegal migration across the English Channel and uncertainty in global energy markets amid tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Burnham has promised a new economic strategy focused on early investment and prevention rather than higher long-term public spending.
He also pledged immediate measures to help households struggling with the rising cost of living, saying financial pressures were the most common concern raised by voters during his campaign.
Burnham served as a Labour MP from 2001 to 2017 and held ministerial positions under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown before becoming Mayor of Greater Manchester.
With the next general election expected in 2029 and Nigel Farage s Reform UK gaining momentum in opinion polls, Burnham has warned that his leadership represents Labour s "last chance" to regain public trust.
His first policy decision came even before taking office, cancelling Starmer s proposed nationwide digital ID scheme, estimated to cost £1.8 billion over three years. The government said the funds would instead be redirected towards measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis.
