Andy Burnham speaks to Donald Trump after entering No 10

In a wide ranging call, the leaders spoke about the World Cup, Manchester and the situation in the Middle East, Downing Street said.

A spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister began by congratulating the president on a successful World Cup and agreed that England had an excellent tournament.

“The Prime Minister also hoped that he would be able to show the president what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future.

“Setting out his vision as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said he would be focused on ensuring reindustrialisation up and down the country to ensure good growth in every postcode.

“The Prime Minister also underlined his commitment to defence and security and said ensuring the security of the UK and its allies was at the top of his agenda.

“The president then updated on the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country.”

World leaders have congratulated Mr Burnham on his new role after he officially entered Downing Street.

Senior figures from the European Union seized the opportunity to call for closer EU-UK relations, while Ukraine’s president said he would speak to Mr Burnham later in the day.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she had a “very good first discussion” with Mr Burnham.

Ms von der Leyen hinted that a UK-EU summit could be on the cards.

A summit was due to take place on July 22 in Brussels before Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation.

“We are both committed to bringing the EU and the UK closer and closer,” she said.

“Together, we will work towards a successful summit that delivers for our businesses, our young people and our shared security.

“And we will continue our excellent cooperation in support of Ukraine.

“Europe is stronger when the EU and the UK work side by side.”

The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said: “In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum.

“I look forward to continuing to further deepen our co-operation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.

“The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.”

Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Mr Burnham’s assurance that the UK’s support for Ukraine would remain strong.

The Ukrainian president wrote on X: “I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast.

“Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia’s recent attacks.

“Ukraine and the United Kingdom have built the strongest partnership in the history of relations between our two countries, and we will certainly continue working to expand it even further.

“We agreed to discuss our future cooperation, including our work within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, during a meeting in the near future. Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Britain!”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Congratulations Prime Minister Burnham on your appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“Australia and the United Kingdom are longstanding friends, allies and partners, united by shared values and deep ties between our peoples.

“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and promote security, resilience and prosperity in the years ahead.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, who worked closely with Sir Keir Starmer on a coalition of the willing for Ukraine and a future mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, said: “I extend my congratulations to Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“In the face of the challenges that unite us, I hope that we will deepen our relationship in service of our peoples and by giving new momentum to the partnership between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

“I also wish to commend the action of Keir Starmer, whose commitment to serving his country has helped to strengthen co-operation between the United Kingdom, France and our European partners.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to the new Prime Minister.

“Italy and the United Kingdom are bound by a deep friendship and a collaboration that, over the years, has grown ever stronger, also thanks to our joint work on key dossiers fundamental to our nations: from managing migratory flows to the major international crises, always addressed with a great spirit of collaboration.

“I am certain that we will continue down this path, strengthening our strategic partnership in the interest of our nations and our citizens.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “Congratulations to Andy Burnham on taking office as Prime Minister. Germany and the United Kingdom are close partners. I look forward to working together.”