Andy Burnham faces first PMQs
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Andy Burnham faces first PMQs as UK borrowing costs hit 28-year high.
The Treasury lost £12bn headroom, complicating his spending plans.
Background
Andy Burnham became Prime Minister in July 2026, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. He made his first Commons statement on Tuesday, setting out plans for devolution and public control of services. Now he faces his first Prime Minister's Questions, with the opposition likely to challenge him on defence spending, taxes, and benefits. Meanwhile, rising government borrowing costs have reduced the Treasury's fiscal headroom, adding pressure to his agenda.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2026Andy Burnham became Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down.
- Sep 1, 2026Burnham made his first Commons statement as PM, outlining plans for devolution and public control of services.
- Sep 2, 2026Burnham faces his first PMQs against Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, amid rising UK borrowing costs.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Conservatives, led by Kemi Badenoch, are pressing Burnham on defence spending, tax rises, and benefit cuts.
- Analysts
- The Resolution Foundation says it is not 'realistic' to increase defence spending without raising taxes on ordinary workers.
Still unverified
Claims that Burnham 'floundered' in response to Conservative questions are from a Conservative press release and not independently verified.