Archbishop Richard Moth, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has offered his congratulations to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, encouraging him to respond to injustice with “respect for the dignity of the person”.

He said: “As President of the Bishops’ Conference, and on behalf of the Catholic community in our countries, I offer my warm congratulations to Andy Burnham on becoming leader of the Labour Party and now Prime Minister.

“We are living in challenging times. As Christians we have a duty to be bridgebuilders and peacemakers. Where there are tensions, hostility and injustice, we are called to respond with real concern and respect for the dignity of the person, for the needs of families, the marginalised and the vulnerable. The Prime Minister faces many challenging issues as he begins his work, and I assure him and his family of my continued prayers for the task ahead.”

Archbishop Moth also offered his gratitude to the former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“I look forward to working with the new Prime Minister to build on our long record of constructive partnership with the UK Government, and to further our shared endeavour to serve the common good,” he said.

Burnham, who is Catholic, was appointed Prime Minister today after succeeding Starmer. He is the UK’s seventh Prime Minister in 10 years and the first to be Catholic on entering the role.

In his resignation speech, Starmer called his time serving as Prime Minister the “privilege of my life” and wished Burnham “every success”.

Buckingham Palace stated: “His Majesty received in audience the Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP and requested him to form a new Administration. The Rt Hon Andrew Burnham MP accepted The King’s offer and kissed hands upon his appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury.

“Ms Marie-France van Heel was also received by His Majesty.”