Justice Secretary Alex Norris has defended Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to take a holiday just over two weeks after assuming office. Burnham, who took office 15 days ago, is currently on a break, the location of which has not been disclosed by Downing Street. Despite the absence, Norris emphasized that the prime minister remains in regular contact with his office.

Since joining the Cabinet, Norris said he has communicated with Burnham nearly every day and expects that frequency to continue during the holiday. The period away from official duties is being framed by the government as a personal break, allowing Burnham to spend time with his wife and family, although details about their destination have not been released.

While it is customary for British prime ministers to take holidays in August when Parliament is in recess, Burnham’s timing has drawn criticism due to the brevity of his tenure before stepping away. Historical comparisons highlight the unusual nature of Burnham’s early break: Theresa May took a holiday approximately four weeks after becoming prime minister, while Rishi Sunak waited nine months before taking time off.

Labour MP Graham Stringer expressed strong disapproval of the decision, describing it as “a mistake” and predicting the prime minister may later regret the timing. Speaking on a radio program, Stringer suggested that a new prime minister, especially early in the term, should prioritize uninterrupted attention to their duties.

In Burnham’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh, who previously resigned from a frontbench role under former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer amid a fraud conviction scandal, is overseeing day-to-day responsibilities.

No10 officials have declined to provide further information about the holiday plans or the rationale behind the timing, aside from reiterating the prime minister’s ongoing communication with government officials during the break.