Burnham’s presidential summer is over

Andy Burnham's presidential summer has come to an end. He has been engaging with the public through podcasts and social media, delivering occasional speeches, and touring the country. However, he will soon return to parliamentary reality. Two months ago, it was rumored that Burnham expected to become Prime Minister after the summer, giving him time to assemble his team and outline his agenda.

Yet, Keir Starmer had different plans and left Downing Street swiftly. Burnham has been enjoying his summer away from scrutiny, but now the parliamentary reality will bring a new level of scrutiny. With the return of MPs to Westminster, Burnham, who previously served as Gordon Brown's health secretary, will have to face the scrutiny of MPs, parliamentary games, urgent questions, select committees, and Prime Minister's Questions.

He will also have to navigate his legislative agenda, including the October Budget, through Parliament and his party. Journalists and opposition MPs are keen for the return of parliamentary life, which brings pressure that Burnham has managed to avoid thus far. The Tory Party, now a smaller entity, is preparing for the fight with promotions.

Tom Tugendhat joins as shadow foreign secretary, bringing valuable experience, while Andrew Griffith, the only sitting MP to hold a leadership role at a FTSE100 company, replaces Andrew Griffith in the shadow chancellor position. The upcoming battle between Burnham and the Tories will be both entertaining and consequential.