Chris Mason: Will Burnham find PMQs as 'nail biting' and 'nerve wracking' as Blair did?

The weekly ritual of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) captures the heart of Westminster's public image. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair described the experience as "the most nerve-wracking, discombobulating, nail-biting, bowel-moving, terror-inspiring, courage-draining experience in my prime ministerial life, without question." Now, Andy Burnham, the new Labour Party leader, faces his first PMQs, which may feel similar to the lengthy scrutiny he already faced during his time as an MP.

Burnham's arrival in office came during the summer break when MPs were absent from Westminster. With a month of questions now incoming, it feels like a soft launch, as the Commons sessions were previously absent. The Prime Minister had a chance to observe Burnham's opening moments in the Commons, accompanied by Deputy Leader Lucy Powell, First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, and others.

During the session, Labour MPs greeted Burnham withtheir customary roars of approval, regardless of the political situation their leader faced or the role they played in creating it. However, Burnham's opponents have noted some concerns, such as prisons being overcrowded, defence underfunded, and social care not yet reformed.

Burnham appeared at ease while making arguments and articulating his political creed. He spoke about attending the COP climate summit later in the year, blamed Brexit for damaging the economy, and mentioned plans to increase defense spending without providing much detail. His team hopes to make a pattern of carefully dripped-in ideas and plans over time, rather than making sudden announcements.

They also aim to differentiate Burnham's approach from other prime ministers, seeking a more open and transparent way of doing the job. Burnham announced his intention to answer questions from the public, not just in the House of Commons, by the name "People's Major Questions."