Andy Burnham to become UK's new prime minister today

The UK will have a new prime minister later today.

Andy Burnham is expected to officially take over after being chosen as the new leader of the Labour party on Friday.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer announced that he was stepping down as UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party last month, which started the search for his successor.

Mr Burnham is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and has been involved in politics for many years.

Supporters say he is a strong leader who understands the challenges facing communities across the UK, and has promised to bring fresh ideas to government.

But other people have questioned whether he should become prime minister because there has not been a general election.

Keep reading to find out more about Andy Burnham and what will happen today...

There is a special process that takes place whenever the UK gets a new prime minister.

It follows a long-standing tradition, with the outgoing PM and new leader both meeting the King, before power is officially handed over.

Here's what's expected to happen today.

Sir Keir Starmer will leave 10 Downing Street, where he's expected to make a final speech as prime minister outside his official home and office.

He will then travel to Buckingham Palace where he'll hand his resignation to the King, telling him he's stepping down as prime minister.

The King will then meet with Andy Burnham where he will formally be appointed and asked to form a government.

Later, Mr Burnham will make a speech outside 10 Downing Street for the first time as prime minister.

One of the first jobs that Mr Burnham will need to do is choose his cabinet.

The cabinet is the PM's top team of senior ministers in the government chosen to lead specific areas like health, defence and the environment.

Expect to see lots of Labour MPs coming and going from Downing Street to meet for talks with the new PM when this is happening, before an official announcement is made.

Andy Burnham was previously a Member of Parliament (MP) for 16 years and also served in government as Health Secretary, before becoming the Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017.

He also stood to become leader of the Labour Party twice before, but was unsuccessful on both occasions.

After Sir Keir Starmer announced he was stepping down as PM, Mr Burnham entered the race to replace him.

He won the Labour leadership contest on Friday, meaning he is now expected to become the UK's nex prime minister.

Supporters say Mr Burnham is an experienced politician who has a strong record of standing up for people in Greater Manchester and could bring a fresh approach to leading the country.

Other people say they want to see how he delivers on his promises now that he is taking on one of the biggest jobs in UK politics.