Conservative peers have launched a rare parliamentary ambush by tabling a motion in the House of Lords to drag ministers before peers and grill them on Andy Burnham's policy plans. The move comes after Labour was accused of pulling the shutters down on Parliament by axing a Tory Opposition Day debate last week, fearing MPs would force a vote extending the sitting to question the new Prime Minister.
Labour accused of dodging scrutiny
Labour swapped the Opposition Day debate for a General Debate on Iran, which fizzled out early, branded by critics as a smokescreen to dodge scrutiny. With MPs set to break for summer, the country now faces the prospect of a Prime Minister who has made no statement to the Commons, and won't for weeks.
Tories demand accountability
The Lords is still sitting, so the Tories want a Government minister hauled in to answer questions before recess. Lord True, Leader of the Opposition in the Lords, said: "Andy Burnham is running scared of Parliamentary scrutiny because he hasn't done the hard work to craft a coherent plan for Government." He added: "Our democracy relies on the Government being held accountable, and the Conservatives will fight to make sure that happens."
According to political sources, the motion is expected to be tabled this week, forcing a minister to appear before the Lords to outline Burnham's agenda. The ambush is seen as a significant challenge to the new Prime Minister, who has faced criticism for avoiding direct questioning in the Commons since taking office.
