Conservative MPs are calling for Parliament's summer recess to be delayed by one sitting day to allow for questioning of Andy Burnham, who is poised to become the next leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister. The Tories contend it would be "unacceptable" for the incoming leader to avoid parliamentary scrutiny just as the House of Commons is scheduled to rise for a six-week break.
Jesse Norman, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, has written to Sir Alan Campbell, the Leader of the Commons, requesting the delay. The recess is due to begin on Thursday, with nominations for the Labour leadership contest formally closing on the same day. Burnham is expected to be the sole candidate, securing the leadership the following day. He is scheduled to become Prime Minister on the Monday after the recess begins, as Sir Keir Starmer must formally tender his resignation to the King on the next working day.
"Andy Burnham is days away from becoming Prime Minister and he is leaving the country in the dark on his plans," Norman stated, according to the Daily Mail. "Apart from a handful of press releases and a proposal to move civil servants to Manchester, basic questions remain unanswered. He won't even take questions from the press."
Norman added, "That is why Mr Burnham must come to Parliament, make a statement and take questions on July 20. Parliament should not have to wait until September to start getting answers."
According to the Conservative letter, which was also copied to Burnham, he has given only one major speech without subsequent questions since becoming MP for Makerfield last month. The party also highlighted that Burnham has not faced any hustings events due to the lack of a formal contest for the Labour leadership and has had limited public appearances in Parliament.
A spokesperson for Burnham responded that he would articulate "his vision" and address questions throughout the summer via public events and media interviews. He is also scheduled to speak with Labour MPs and is expected to vote on the outgoing government's immigration bill.
Sir Chris Bryant, a serving minister, commented on the potential changes under Burnham, stating, "Number one, we've got to get quicker at making decisions as a government... because I think people are frustrated about the delay in change."
A Labour Party spokesperson affirmed that the party's National Executive Committee has established a clear timetable for the leadership election and that MPs can scrutinize the government as usual during this period.