Burnham’s PMQs debut exposes the challenge of delivering a new kind of politics

Andy Burnham entered the House of Commons to loud cheers from Labour MPs and appeared determined to project the optimism he has promised the country. His first exchanges with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch began with a joke about his stamina after Tuesday’s marathon session, prompting laughter and a cautious smile from the prime minister.

The light mood did not last. The two leaders moved quickly into familiar arguments over taxes and borrowing, with Badenoch accusing the government of reckless spending. Burnham, despite promising to end political “point scoring,” soon attacked the Conservatives’ economic record and referred to Liz Truss’s budget while insisting that his own government would show fiscal discipline.

He is not the first leader to promise a different political style and then find himself drawn into the combative ritual of PMQs. David Cameron said he would end “Punch and Judy politics” after becoming Conservative leader, but went on to engage in regular clashes across the despatch box.

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point scoring

Burnham nevertheless appeared more comfortable as a communicator than his predecessor. His early weeks in office have included a summer tour of the country and a strong social media presence, reflecting his effort to explain what his government stands for. He also highlighted early measures, including cuts to VAT on domestic electricity bills and business rates for pubs and music venues.

The larger test will come from the pressures facing the government. Borrowing costs have risen, limiting the chancellor’s room for manoeuvre before the budget at the end of October. Defence spending, welfare and social care will also require difficult decisions. Burnham offered little economic detail at his first PMQs, saying prime ministers do not write budgets from the despatch box. Those answers, however, will eventually be required.

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Punch and Judy politics