Vance urges UK structural reforms ahead of expected Burnham succession

According to Lianhe Zaobao, US Vice President JD Vance told The Sunday Times that the UK has “long been let down by its leadership” and said he hopes the next prime minister can deliver the structural reforms voters want after years of political turmoil, citing that Britain has had six prime ministers in recent years. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced last month he will step down after two years in office, paving the way for what would be the UK’s seventh prime minister in 10 years; lawmaker Burnham is seen as the only candidate and is widely expected to take the job. Vance said the UK remains one of Washington’s closest allies and that the US would work with whoever becomes prime minister. The report also said Starmer and US President Donald Trump have had occasional friction but have emphasized the importance of the US-UK “special relationship” and maintained trade and investment agreements; Trump has described Burnham as “extremely liberal” and suggested the next UK leader is unlikely to back further North Sea oil and gas development.