Prime Minister Andy Burnham has left the country for a summer holiday just two weeks after taking office, drawing criticism from Westminster figures who question his commitment to the role.
A quick break from No 10
Mr Burnham, who has been in the job for a fortnight, has already made several unfunded announcements, opened No 10 North, and held talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. But his holiday from Tuesday interrupts his much-flaunted commitment to being out of Westminster and across the country.
The trip comes amid growing concern among Westminster mandarins about how little time Mr Burnham has spent in Downing Street since becoming Prime Minister. His tendency to be out and about prompted First Secretary of State Louise Haigh to joke at a Cabinet Office all-staff meeting last week that No 10 was "extremely distressed" by how often he was away from the building, though she stressed he was simply "so dedicated and committed" to getting out into the country.
Government business continues
While Mr Burnham is away, the business of government continues. Small boat migrants are arriving in droves, tinderbox Britain is scorched, and the cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of easing. The Government is also facing warnings of food shortages following record-breaking temperatures.
These issues will be on voters' minds with just 12 weeks to go before Chancellor John Healey stands at the Commons Despatch Box to deliver what is widely expected to be painful tax rises.
Mixed reactions
When Mr Burnham returns, he will once again turn his sights away from London and embark on a "listening tour" around the country. Some in Westminster believe the Prime Minister has earned the right to take a break, noting he went straight from his role as Manchester mayor to a crunch by-election in Makerfield before entering No 10. But his critics are less forgiving, accusing him of being a Prime Minister who is not serious about leading.
