US VP Vance says UK failed by leadership, hopes Burnham delivers change

US Vice President J.D. Vance has said Britain has been 'failed by its leadership for a long time' and expressed hope that the next prime minister, likely Andy Burnham, can deliver the structural change voters seek. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Vance pointed to the rapid turnover of UK leaders—six prime ministers in recent years—as evidence that 'something is very broken about British politics.'

Vance's remarks

Vance, who has been a vocal critic of European policies, described Britain as 'such a beautiful country' but argued that its leadership has let it down. He said he hopes Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and newly elected MP, can 'get Britain back on track.' Burnham is the sole candidate to replace outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation last month after disastrous local election results. Source: SCMP Source: Euronews

Broader context

Vance's comments align with previous criticism of European leaders, including at the Munich Security Conference and over migration policies. US President Donald Trump also criticised Starmer, writing on Truth Social that Starmer 'failed badly on immigration and energy.' The US-UK relationship has been strained under the Trump administration, with tensions over issues like Greenland. Source: Euronews

What's next

Starmer will remain in office until the Labour Party appoints a successor. Burnham is widely expected to become the seventh UK prime minister in a decade. Vance's remarks underscore US hopes for a shift in UK policy direction, though it remains unclear what specific changes Burnham might pursue.