Prime Minister Andy Burnham will travel abroad for a family holiday this week, just two weeks after assuming office, Downing Street confirmed on Monday. The Prime Minister is taking a break from his duties for a pre-planned trip and is not expected to make public appearances during this time.
While Mr. Burnham will be out of the country, Downing Street stated that he will remain in contact with officials and is prepared to return to the UK if necessary. His de-facto deputy, Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will be the most senior minister remaining in Westminster. However, Downing Street clarified that Ms. Haigh will not be making day-to-day decisions in Mr. Burnham's absence.
The confirmation of the holiday comes after a period of significant policy announcements by the new Prime Minister, including spending pledges on bus fares and energy bills estimated to cost up to £96 billion. Initially, sources close to Mr. Burnham had indicated that he had canceled holiday plans in favor of a tour of Britain to engage with voters later in August. As recently as July 25, Downing Street had stated he would not be taking a break shortly after becoming Prime Minister.
Political opponents have criticized the timing of the holiday. Reform UK, through its chairman Lee Anderson, stated that Mr. Burnham has "already had enough" two weeks into the job. Anderson added, "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."
A Labour source, speaking to the Mail, drew a comparison to former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, suggesting that Mr. Burnham's break was "easy mode." The source recounted that Sir Keir "barely went on holiday" and, when he did, would reportedly use the time to discuss work. Sir Keir Starmer himself canceled a planned holiday in August 2024, about six weeks into his premiership, due to riots that occurred following the murder of three girls in Southport. He later took a family holiday in Madeira in late December 2024.
When Sir Keir was away previously, Downing Street maintained that he remained in charge, rather than delegating authority to the then-deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner. Mr. Burnham's holiday destination has not been disclosed, as such information is not typically confirmed by Downing Street.