This video runs for 27 minutes and 25 seconds.

Andy Burnham becomes the seventh UK prime minister in a decade, inheriting a nation grappling with economic and foreign policy challenges.

Andy Burnham will immediately face foreign policy challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.

Andy Burnham, the new Labour leader, is well-acquainted with the political arena.

But his rise to the top has been unconventional.

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He assumes leadership at a time when Britons are focused on sluggish economic growth, escalating living costs, and immigration debates.

Beyond Britain’s borders, he’ll face foreign policy challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.

Burnham says he’ll be a different kind of politician and will reset how the UK is governed.

So, what does that mean for its role and position in the world?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Jonathan Tonge – Professor of politics at the University of Liverpool

Laurel Rapp – Director of the US and North America Programme at Chatham House

Mihir Sharma – Principal research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research and non-resident senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026

With the UK facing weak economic growth and rising living costs, Burnham’s promise to reset governance will be closely watched. His stance on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Iran, will also define his tenure. The country’s rapid leadership turnover underscores its political volatility.