New British PM will be judged by his results, Cypriot diaspora president says

World Cyprus problemdiasporaTop Newsuk New British PM will be judged by his results, Cypriot diaspora president says Burnham Andy Uk Relevant News UN chief’s visit delays Cyprus cabinet reshuffle as DIKO talks continue 26 July 2026 New British PM will be judged by his results, Cypriot diaspora president says 26 July 2026 Nine arrested in nationwide police operations 26 July 2026 Xenia Tourki 26 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Seven prime ministers in less than a decade. The latest resident of Number 10 Downing Street is Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Manchester, who takes over from Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader too. The country remains locked in an unbroken search for political stability, with the only certainty being the rise of Nigel Farage’s far-right Reform UK. Andy Burnham took charge at a critical political juncture, said Christos Karaolis, President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), speaking to Phileleftheros about developments in the UK. Interpreting the causes of the crisis, he said it is rooted in the 2016 Brexit vote, which shrank the British economy, triggered widespread public anger and contributed to a revolving door of leaders at Number 10 Downing Street. What this period has revealed, he stressed, is “a disconnect between the political establishment and the concerns of ordinary people.” The biggest bet for the new prime minister will be to prove he can give Labour fresh momentum and win back the trust of an electorate that, according to the latest polls, is growing increasingly wary of the government. Recent opinion polls following his election as Labour leader have given the party a boost, Karaolis noted, though whether he can sustain it “will depend on the results he delivers.” Why is the UK facing such a huge and deep political crisis with seven prime ministers in less than a decade? The UK’s political turbulence reflects a deeper structural challenge rather than the failings of any single individual or party. The instability has its roots in the 2016 Brexit vote, which shrank the British economy, triggered widespread public anger, and contributed to a revolving door of leaders at Number 10 Downing Street. What this period has revealed is a disconnect between the political establishment and the concerns of ordinary people e.g. the cost of living, public services, and a sense that the country has lacked consistent direction. For us at POMAK, that instability makes effective advocacy harder. We need a settled government that will engage seriously with the issues that matter to us — not least the Cyprus problem and the UK–Cyprus relationship. What to expect from the new prime minister, Andy Burnham? Can he stop Labour’s decline and put the party back on the path to victory? Andy Burnham left Westminster nearly a decade ago to become Mayor of Greater Manchester, and his return to frontline national politics has been quick over the last month. He brings a track record of practical delivery at regional level and during his time as Mayor he engaged with the local Cypriot community. In his first speech as Prime Minister, he spoke of making this a “circuit breaker for Britain,” promising a new economic model that would put life’s essentials back under stronger public control. Recent opinion polls, following his election as Labour Leader, have given the Labour Party a bounce, however whether he can sustain this will depend on the results he delivers. Which are the biggest problems and challenges that Andy Burnham will face as the new prime minister? The challenges are formidable. He inherits an economy with low, post-pandemic, growth, and pressure on public finances, rising inflation concerns. His appointment of John Healey as Chancellor sent a clear signal of stability to the market, given how respected Mr Healey is and his prior experience working as a junior Minister when Gordon Brown was Chancellor. Above all, he faces a crisis of public trust. As he acknowledged himself, many voters have grown deeply frustrated with politics and politicians need to raise their game. For our community, we would add that foreign policy and international obligations — including the Cyprus problem — must receive serious attention under his leadership and not be crowded out by domestic pressures. And the big question is this. Do you think Andy Burnham has what it takes to turn the tide and defeat Nigel Farage and Reform UK at the next general election? POMAK works with all political parties, so I will not make a partisan judgement. Indeed, as a Federation, we hosted the Deputy Leader of Reform UK Richard Tice MP for a working dinner earlier this year. What the evidence does show is that Andy Burnham is better placed personally than most to defeat Nigel Farage at the next general election. A recent YouGov survey found that 43% of British people consider Burnham a better choice for Prime Minister than Farage, who polled at 23%. That is a meaningful advantage. But Reform’s rise is a symptom of deep public frustration, and it cannot be defeated by communication alone. It will require tangible improvements in people’s lives. So Prime Minister Burnham will need to convince a sceptical public that his new Government can succeed where others have failed. We wish him well in that endeavour, and we will engage constructively with his Government from day one, as we have done with all previous Governments. You met Stephen Doughty, the Minister for Europe, last week at your Annual Cyprus Parliamentary Reception. What does that meeting mean for Cyprus and what opportunities does this open up? The annual reception was a significant occasion that was attended by 27 MPs and Lords. The Guest of Honour being the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, His Excellency Dr Constantinos Kombos. Europe Minister Stephen Doughty MP represented the UK Government. The significance of the event was both symbolic and substantive. Minister Doughty praised the Federation’s work in speaking up for Cypriots across the UK and underscored that the UK, as a guarantor power, remains committed to supporting a just and lasting settlement — specifically a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality. He also congratulated the Republic of Cyprus on its successful EU Council Presidency, noting that it had strengthened EU–UK ties at a critical moment. That is an important acknowledgement, and one we welcome. Dr Kombos set the right tone, describing Cyprus as a bridge between the Middle East and Europe and a credible, reliable ally — while reaffirming that Cyprus is ready for substantive negotiations exclusively within the UN Security Council framework. The cross-party nature of the event was equally encouraging, with the Conservative shadow minister and the Liberal Democrats both reiterating their parties’ commitment to a UN-led solution and to the enduring UK–Cyprus friendship. I used my own remarks to stress that since 2022, Cyprus and the UK have signed two memoranda of understanding covering areas from defence to climate, and to underline that under the new Prime Minister it must be a priority to ensure these relationships not only endure but flourish. At a moment of political transition in the UK, securing that commitment from parliamentarians across all parties — in the heart of Westminster — is exactly what events like this are designed to achieve. We will continue pressing the new government to match warm words with concrete action on Cyprus. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News UN chief’s visit delays Cyprus cabinet reshuffle as DIKO talks continue Nine arrested in nationwide police operations Achilles Shield brings Greece, Cyprus and Israel closer on defence Iliana Papangeli: Independent journalism is a precondition for a functioning democracy Vehicle mows down crowd at Berlin Pride festival, killing one Mountain showers forecast before temperatures rise next week Guterres arrives in Cyprus for one last push on a settlement Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.