Published: 08:14 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 09:26 BST, 1 September 2026
Andy Burnham limbered up with a run today as he finally faces a grilling from MPs – six weeks after becoming PM.
Mr Burnham worked up a sweat as he prepares to make his Commons debut following the summer recess.
The premier could be in for a torrid time this afternoon, with anger mounting over the prisoner early release scheme and the prospect of tax hikes to fund more spending during next month's Budget.
Ministers warned there were 'difficult' decisions in the Budget as Government borrowing costs spiked again this morning – on top of the global markets being spooked by the Middle East crisis, surging inflation and warnings about an AI crash.
As Mr Burnham took over from Keir Starmer just as Parliament went into its break, he has benefited from a 'soft launch' with the public's focus largely on the sunshine instead of politics.
Labour has been enjoying a bounce in the polls with the new leader. However that looks to be fading and the former Greater Manchester mayor has already been forced into a bewildering variety of policy shifts.
Andy Burnham will make his debut in the Commons as it returns from the summer recess
Mr Burnham geared up for the Commons clashes with a run this morning
Underlining the issues confronting ministers, Government borrowing costs spiked again this morning. The chart shows the interest rates on ten-year gilts
The PM will gather his Cabinet this morning before making a statement to the House after 3.30pm today.
As well as being his first since entering No10, it will be his first appearance at the despatch box since he was a minister 16 years ago.
Aides say Mr Burnham will flesh out his vision for the country, but not make significant policy announcements.
He is expected to argue that stronger public control over utilities can be an engine for economic growth.
However, that could cost billions of pounds, and in an interview today Chancellor John Healey admitted there are already 'difficult' decisions looming in the Budget.
