In just six days, Andy Burnham will become prime minister, yet he has avoided direct scrutiny since his dramatic comeback last month. He has been an MP for less than a month, though he previously served in the Commons and Cabinet a decade ago. Since winning the Makerfield by-election, Burnham has made speeches without inviting questions, posted social media videos, written articles, and held a closed-door hustings with Labour MPs.
No Parliamentary Accountability Until September
Parliament goes into recess on Thursday, meaning Burnham will not face democratic accountability until MPs return in September. Labour has discarded Conservative demands for a vote to force him to answer questions when he becomes Prime Minister on Monday. Kemi Badenoch branded the move "unprecedented" and accused Labour of "running scared."
"They know the honeymoon will be over the minute he has to tell us his plans," Badenoch said.
Burnham to Speak on Hillsborough Law
Burnham will appear in the Chamber on Tuesday evening to speak about the government's new Hillsborough Law, which is set to clear the Commons. He has already received the endorsement of more Labour MPs than necessary to secure a majority in the House. He will become party leader on Friday and move into No 10 on Monday.
But critics question why he is dodging scrutiny and what he has to hide. The former Blair-era MP faces questions on how he plans to run the economy, whether he is planning a tax blitz, how he will boost defence spending, and his intentions regarding the EU. The British public deserve answers, especially as no one voted for him to become Prime Minister.
