Andy Burnham has officially been elected leader of Britain’s governing Labour Party, clearing the way to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister when he takes office next week.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, was formally confirmed as party leader on Friday after emerging as the sole candidate to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation following a rebellion within Labour ranks.

His victory had been widely anticipated after securing the backing of 379 of Labour’s 403 members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

In his first speech as party leader, Burnham pledged to restore optimism and rebuild confidence in both the government and the country.

“We’re going to give them hope back,” he told an audience of Labour lawmakers, party members and trade union representatives.

“This is a proud moment you have given me and my family today, and an emotional one, but it is one for which I am ready.”

Seeking to reassure a party that has seen its popularity decline since winning a landslide general election two years ago, Burnham declared: “I have a plan.”

Although Burnham has effectively been prime minister-in-waiting since winning a parliamentary by-election last month, he has so far revealed relatively few details about his broader policy agenda.

During Friday’s address, however, he outlined a vision centered on economic renewal and greater regional empowerment.

Promising to deliver “hope in every heart” and “good growth in every postcode,” Burnham said his government would transfer more decision-making powers from Westminster and Whitehall to local authorities across the country.

“We will take power back from Westminster and Whitehall and give it to the place you live,” he said.

“More power over life’s essentials so you can make them work better.”

Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer, whose two-year premiership was increasingly overshadowed by political setbacks, policy reversals and declining public support.

Labour’s disappointing performance in May’s local elections, combined with consistently trailing the anti-immigration Reform UK party in opinion polls, intensified pressure on Starmer to step aside.

Known for his more approachable and conversational leadership style, Burnham is widely regarded as one of Labour’s strongest communicators.

However, he inherits many of the same challenges that confronted his predecessor, including sluggish economic growth, persistent cost-of-living pressures driven in part by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and mounting strain on Britain’s public services.

Burnham is expected to formally assume office as prime minister next week, ushering in a new chapter for both the Labour government and British politics.