Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been accused of "running away from the country" after taking a summer holiday with his family just two weeks into the job. The former mayor of Manchester is set to take a week-long break from his duties, though he remains prepared to return if necessary.
Details of the Holiday
During his time away, Mr Burnham will continue to hold meetings and stay in direct contact with officials, it is understood. However, the trip has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, including Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson.
Mr Anderson said: "Two weeks into the job and Andy Burnham has already had enough. After dropping a number of unfunded commitments and overseeing over 2,000 illegal migrants breaking into our country he’s bunked off for a jolly abroad. This isn’t a Prime Minister that’s serious about leading."
Background and Context
The Prime Minister's departure comes amid a period of national strain, with several regions experiencing drought, ongoing small boat migrant arrivals, and a cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, Chancellor John Healey's first Budget is expected in 12 weeks, with tax rises anticipated.
John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, also criticised the move: "Not content with running away from Westminster to open No 10 North, Andy Burnham is now running away from the country altogether. Just weeks into the job, the Prime Minister should be working around the clock to give hard-pressed taxpayers value for money."
Predecessors' Precedents
Mr Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, spent weeks campaigning for the Makerfield by-election before taking office. His predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, had to cancel his first holiday as PM due to far-Right riots in August 2024, which followed the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
Similarly, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson cut short a break in Somerset in August 2021 as the Taliban advanced on Kabul.
