Downing Street says the government will keep running normally as Andy Burnham takes a holiday, while critics question his timing after two weeks in office.
Andy Burnham’s holiday has drawn fire, but Downing Street says the Burnham holiday will not disrupt the running of government while the new prime minister is away. Officials said the government will continue to function as normal as he takes a break from day-to-day duties to spend time with his family.
Burnham entered No 10 two weeks ago and, according to his official spokesman, will stay in direct contact with officials and keep holding meetings while away from Downing Street. Justice Secretary Alex Norris defended the trip, saying the prime minister is having a few days off with his family and will remain in constant contact with his office. Norris added that he has spoken to Burnham virtually every day since joining the cabinet and expects that pattern to continue.
Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson used sharper language, accusing Burnham of having “bunked off” so soon after taking office. He said the prime minister was not showing he was serious about leading and tied the criticism to a series of policy moves announced in Burnham’s first two weeks. Those included a cut to VAT on household electricity bills, business rate cuts for pubs, the return of a £2 bus fare cap in England, early cross-party talks on social care reform, the creation of a “No 10 North” base in Manchester, and a plan to give English city mayors a share of income tax in exchange for grant funding from central government.
“Downing Street says the government will keep running normally as Andy Burnham takes a holiday, while critics question his timing after two weeks in office.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch took a different line. She said she would not criticise Burnham for taking a holiday so early in his premiership, but argued he should have recalled Parliament after becoming prime minister so MPs could scrutinise him. Her comments kept the focus on accountability, not the break itself, and reflected the pressure any new government faces when it tries to balance momentum with public oversight.
Burnham’s last public appearance came over the weekend in Dover, where he vowed to be “relentless” in reducing the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats. His holiday location has not been disclosed. The trip comes after a fast start in office, when he has pushed a string of announcements meant to define his government early and signal a different approach from what came before.
The political backdrop gives Burnham’s time away added weight. Former prime minister Gordon Brown’s 2007 holiday was cut short after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, while Sir Keir Starmer had to scrap an overseas break in August 2024 because of unrest linked to the Southport attack. Both episodes show how quickly a prime minister’s plans can be overtaken by events. For Americans watching British politics, the Burnham holiday is a reminder that leaders are judged not just by policy, but by how they handle scrutiny, momentum and the demands of office.
Frequently asked questions
What is Burnham doing while away from Downing Street?
His spokesman said he will remain in direct contact with officials and continue to hold meetings while he is away.
Why has the holiday sparked criticism?
Reform Uk’s chairman said it was too soon after taking office and accused Burnham of avoiding responsibility.
Did other political leaders defend Burnham?
Justice Secretary Alex Norris defended the trip, saying Burnham is spending a few days with his family and staying in contact with his office.
How have other prime ministers handled early holidays?
The story cites Gordon Brown and Sir Keir Starmer, whose holiday plans were interrupted by major events soon after entering No 10.
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