Andy Burnham shares his delight at seeing Makerfield supporters in Downing Street as he became PM

He was applauded by a crowd of supporters as he arrived on the famous street on Monday and stopped to greet many of them, including his mother and former Makerfield MP Josh Simons.

And Mr Burnham later posted a photograph on Facebook of people from his new constituency who had gone along to see him take up the highest political office in the land.

Among them were Nicha Rowson, who lives near the huge illegal dump on Bickershaw Lane, and Worsley Mesnes councillor David Hurst.

Mr Burnham said: “Proper made up to see many of ours from Makerfield on my first day as our Prime Minister. Seeing you all was the best possible start to this next chapter, and here’s why.

“It’s my mission to bring our towns into the heart of this government. From day one, I want the people of Makerfield – and towns like ours all over the country – to know this place belongs to them as much as anyone.

“And how fitting of a touchstone to have this lot be the last faces I see before entering that black door.

“It's the privilege of my life to serve as your MP. Now let's get to work.”

Mr Burnham became Britain’s seventh prime minister in 10 years on Monday and moved swiftly to settle into the top job.

His official role began with an audience with the King at Buckingham Palace, before delivering his first address as PM on Downing Street.

Within an hour of his arrival at No 10, Mr Burnham spoke with US president Donald Trump, who later wished him “good luck” in a post on Truth Social.

The US leader added that the new PM “has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it” and pledged that the US “will be there to help”.

Mr Burnham also held calls with several other high-profile world leaders on Monday, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.

Mr Burnham then moved quickly to appoint his new cabinet.