Brits have reacted with confusion to the news that Andy Burnham is on holiday just two weeks after entering Downing Street, leaving Louise Haigh to lead the country as de facto Prime Minister.
Public reaction to Burnham's holiday
Caroline Bodley, 65, told the Daily Express after being shown a picture of Haigh: "I can't remember her name, it's Louise somebody." She added: "Everybody needs a holiday but I'm not impressed that he's (Andy Burnham) gone at this stage. I'm not impressed with that but, then again, he does need a break."
Ms Bodley also criticised the decision not to name a Deputy Prime Minister, saying: "It's a lack of understanding about us - the voters. And I think it's disrespectful really to have someone who's not very experienced at all and hasn't been in government for a while to be running the country while he's away on holiday."
Haigh's role and background
Haigh, who serves as First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office, has been in frontline politics for 11 years. She was first elected as MP for Sheffield Heeley in 2015 and has held shadow cabinet roles as well as Secretary of State for Transport in 2024.
However, Haigh was forced to resign as Transport Secretary in 2024 after her 2014 conviction for fraud by false representation came to light, when she falsely reported to police that her work phone had been stolen during a mugging.
More public confusion
Nicholas Blenkinsopp, 28, said: "I have no idea" when shown the picture. He added: "The new Prime Minister is on holiday? He's only been in like two weeks!" He also questioned why Burnham didn't name a deputy, saying: "I didn't know Secretary of State would become Prime Minister? That's interesting that he didn't name one. It's odd."
David Price, 77, said: "No, it doesn't mean anything to me" about Haigh, but joked that Burnham "deserves a holiday". Ishwar Kapadia, 73, recognised Haigh but said: "Not much. She was under Starmer, then went away and came back, I think?"
Calls for patience
Sabria Khakoo, 58, said: "I don't at a glance, but my initial thought is she would be in government. But there's been a shuffle so let's give it time." She added: "He (Burnham) has probably put someone in charge who's capable. The guy has moved from Manchester and everyone needs a holiday."
Monica Baga, 56, agreed that Burnham "deserves a holiday" but noted that such a senior political figure should be known by the public: "So many people wouldn't know who she is."
The government has insisted that Burnham remains in regular contact with Haigh and his government while away, and would fly back to the UK in the case of an emergency.
