Nearly a month after Keir Starmer’s resignation, former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, one of the most popular politicians in Britain, will become the country’s seventh prime minister in 10 years.

The move was made possible after Burnham won a byelection in the Makerfield constituency by a wide margin. He was then appointed as the leader of the ruling Labour Party on Friday, confirming him as Starmer’s successor.

A long political career

“Everyone can feel the country isn’t where it should be,” 56-year-old Burnham said after his Makerfield election victory, in remarks that already sounded distinctly prime ministerial. “From here on I will give everything I have got to make it so. To ensure the name Makerfield is forever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs, bringing back something we’ve lost ― hope ― hope for the future.”

Burnham is seen as a leading figure on Labour’s moderate-left wing and has decades of experience in both national and regional politics. He first entered Parliament in 2001. Under Prime Minister Tony Blair, he served as a junior minister at the Home Office before Blair’s successor, Gordon Brown, appointed him to roles at the Finance Ministry, the Department for Culture, and later as health secretary.

Burnham even ran for the Labour leadership twice, in 2010 and 2015. In 2017, he left Parliament to become mayor of Greater Manchester, a region of around 2.8 million people in northern England. He has since won reelection twice, most recently getting nearly two-thirds of the vote.

Among Burnham’s most notable achievements in Manchester is the expansion of affordable public transportation. Housing and health care have also been central priorities throughout his time as mayor. He is critical of Brexit, the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2020, and describes himself as an advocate of “pro-business socialism.”

During the COVID pandemic, Burnham locked horns with then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, demanding greater financial support for businesses and workers affected by lockdown restrictions. The confrontation and his general success in Manchester earned him the nickname “King of the North.”

In the past few years, Burnham’s main criticism of his Labour Party colleague Keir Starmer has focused on the prime minister’s cuts to welfare spending. Which policies Burnham would pursue should he succeed as prime minister has so far largely remained undefined.

A working-class northerner

Burnham is deeply rooted in the former mining and industrial communities of northern England. Born in 1970 in Aintree, near Liverpool, he grew up in the village of Culcheth with his father working as a technician and his mother as a medical assistant.

While studying English at Cambridge University, Burnham later said he often felt like an outsider. Inspired by the miners’ strike of the mid-1980s, he joined the Labour Party at the age of 14.

He’s been a lifelong supporter of Everton Football Club. His wife is Dutch, and the couple has three children. Burnham also has a tattoo of the worker bee — a symbol of industry and solidarity — on his right upper arm.

Today, Burnham is among the most popular politicians in the United Kingdom, and many supporters see him as Labour’s best hope of countering the rise of the right-wing populist Reform UK party of Nigel Farage.

Yet since the Brexit referendum in 2016, the office of British prime minister has become somewhat precarious. Burnham would be the seventh person to hold the position since the referendum a decade ago. If he does succeed Starmer, he will inherit a country still grappling with deep political, economic, and social challenges.

This article was originally published in German on June 22 and updated on July 17 to reflect Andy Burnham being appointed Labour Party leader.

Culled from DW.com

The leadership of the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), led by its Chairperson, Theresa Moses, on Friday, paid a courtesy visit to Polaris Bank in appreciation of the bank’s invaluable support towards the successful hosting of the NOMA Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Workshop, held to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The NOMA delegation was received by Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank, at the bank’s corporate headquarters.

Expressing its heartfelt appreciation, the association presented a Plaque to Polaris Bank in recognition of its partnership and commitment to promoting responsible journalism and addressing critical social issues through strategic collaboration.

Speaking during the visit, Theresa Moses thanked Polaris Bank for believing in NOMA’s vision and for supporting initiatives that empower journalists to become advocates for positive social change.

“Your commitment to youth development, financial literacy, and responsible media advocacy is sincerely appreciated,” She re-emphasized.

Moses noted that combating drug abuse requires a multi-sectoral approach, stressing that partnerships between the media, corporate organizations, government agencies, and civil society are essential to tackling the growing menace of substance abuse among young people.

She expressed with optimism about deepening the relationship between NOMA and Polaris Bank, adding that the alliance looks forward to future collaborations on advocacy campaigns, media development programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and other nation-building projects.

“We are here to sincerely appreciate Polaris Bank for standing with us. Your support contributed significantly to the success of our capacity-building workshop for journalists. We believe this partnership can grow stronger as we continue to use the media to promote responsible reporting, public enlightenment, and national development,” she reiterated.

Responding on behalf of Polaris Bank, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa commended NOMA for championing advocacy against drug abuse and other social challenges, describing the menace as a serious threat to society.

He said: “Drug abuse in our society is a time bomb, and any organization or group that has taken it upon itself to champion advocacy to address this social issue deserves to be appreciated. Almighty God will continue to strengthen you so that you can continue this wonderful work of helping society confront this challenge. Thank you so much for coming, and you are always welcome.”

The visit further reinforced the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting social responsibility, youth development, public awareness, and sustainable national development through strategic partnerships.

Members of the NOMA delegation included Mr. Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, Mr. Dennis Okosun, and Mr. Eric Elezuo, who joined the Chairperson in presenting the appreciation plaque and engaging in discussions on future areas of collaboration.

The courtesy visit marks another milestone in NOMA’s efforts to build strategic alliances with institutions that share its vision of strengthening journalism, promoting responsible media practice, and advancing advocacy on issues of national importance.

The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, KOF, has joined eminent Nigerians in celebrating the First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, on the occasion of her 60th birthday, describing her as “an icon of courage, compassion and charisma whose life continues to inspire hope, uplift humanity and exemplify purposeful public service.”

In a goodwill message jointly signed by Aare Emmanuelking and his wife, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, the Adron Homes boss paid glowing tribute to the First Lady’s enduring legacy, noting that her six decades have been defined by commitment to humanity, exemplary leadership, and a remarkable ability to positively impact lives through humility, kindness, and compassion.

He described Her Excellency’s Diamond Jubilee as a fitting celebration of a woman whose life reflects the timeless qualities of the precious gemstone it represents, resilient, refined, enduring, and radiant through every season.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also acknowledged the First Lady’s steadfast support for the developmental aspirations of Ogun State, particularly her commitment to initiatives that have positively impacted women, children, and other vulnerable members of society. He described her contributions to public service and human development as enduring and worthy of national recognition.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Her Excellency with excellent health, renewed strength, abiding peace, and many more years of purposeful living, while granting her greater opportunities to continue touching lives and advancing the cause of humanity.

He wished the First Lady a joyous 60th birthday and a new decade filled with greater accomplishments, divine favour, and enduring fulfilment.