Burnham faces Commons six weeks after taking office

Andy Burnham will address the House of Commons today for the first time as Prime Minister, six weeks after taking office in late July. The delay has drawn criticism from opposition benches, with GB News noting he is only now stepping in front of MPs for parliamentary scrutiny.

The Prime Minister inherits what the Sun describes as a daunting in-tray: immigration pressures, a rising benefits bill, and immediate decisions on early prisoner releases. The Daily Express reports that Justice Minister statements have acknowledged the early release programme will proceed despite opposition from victims' families. The Independent confirms Defence Secretary John Healey has promised increased defence spending following renewed American interest in the Falklands' sovereignty.

The six-week gap isn't a constitutional violation - Prime Ministers need not address Parliament on any schedule - but it's unusual. Winston Churchill spoke to the Commons within days of becoming PM during wartime. Tony Blair addressed MPs the day after his appointment. The modern expectation, unwritten, is that a new Prime Minister explains himself to the chamber quickly. Burnham's delay suggests either deliberate distance from Parliament or an attempt to land policy before facing questioning. Either reading raises the question of where scrutiny now happens if not on the floor of the House.

What to watch: how Burnham handles questioning on the early release scheme and defence commitments. The opposition will want answers on both; the register of his replies will set the tone for this Parliament.