It's all happening! New things! Spain won the FIFA World Cup last night and became the new world champions of football.
And Andy Burnham enters No 10 Downing Street today to become the new prime minister of the UK.
[© The Guardian]
Yes, Spain deservedly became the best football side in the world after beating the holders Argentina in a dull match lasting 120 minutes. Apart from niggling fouls and violent tackles during the match, the Argentina players brought shame on themselves by their violent behaviour after the final whistle. Only their captain Lionel Messi kept apart from it all silently weeping for what might have been.
[© ABC News]
This morning Andy Burnham moved into No 10 to replace Sir Keir Starmer in a bloodless coup. Andy is now prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
At around 10.30 the retiring prime minister Sir Keir Starmer emerged from No 10 for the last time to give his valedictory speech, before heading off to Buckingham Palace to inform the king officially that he was stepping down. Among other things he pledged his full support for his successor. His last words lasted three-and-a-half minutes.
Shortly afterwards the incoming pm Andy Burnham visited Charles III who, according to protocol, invited him to form a government.
[© Facebook]
Then at around 11.50 GMT the new prime minister addressed the waiting press, media and the TV and radio audience at home.
In his speech to the nation and the watching world, Burnham promised change, hoped for collaborative working, and confirmed that policy announcements would be made tomorrow. He also gave notice of his immediate priorities, namely to help families economically, to increase construction of affordable housing and to eradicate rough sleeping. Speaking without notes or autocue, his address was fluent and clear with no stumbles. It lasted six minutes.
Stop Press:
1. Prime minister Andy Burnham has announced the following cabinet positions:
Chancellor of the Exchequer - John Healey
Home Secretary - Shabana Mahmood (no change)
Foreign Secretary - Ed Milliband
Health Secretary - Yvette Cooper
Defence - Wes Streeting
Education - Lucy Powell
Culture, Media & Sport - Lisa Nandy (no change)
Environment - Angela Eagle
Chief Whip - Annaliese Midgley
Work & Pensions Secretary - Pat McFadden (no change)
Cabinet Secretary - Louise Haigh
Housing - Angela Rayner
Business - Jonathan Reynolds
Women & Equalities - Bridget Phillipson
2. VAT on domestic electricity bills will be abolished from October.
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That's my boy!
© Paul Whitelock MMXXVI
Pictures:
Facebook, The Guardian
Thanks:
BBC News, ITV News, Paul Whitelock, Sky News
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