Kemi Badenoch, a senior Conservative figure, has called for Parliament to remain in session beyond its scheduled summer recess until Andy Burnham outlines his policy agenda as Labour’s incoming leader. Parliament is set to begin its summer break on Thursday, July 16, the day before a special Labour conference where Burnham is expected to be formally appointed leader.

Badenoch criticized Burnham for not providing clarity on his intentions ahead of taking office, accusing him of evading parliamentary scrutiny until September. “Britain has already paid the price for a Labour Prime Minister who entered office without a plan,” she remarked. “We cannot let the same thing happen again.”

She specifically urged Burnham to address key questions regarding his approach to the Labour manifesto, fiscal policy, and national defense spending, including whether he intends to increase borrowing or maintain funding for the Defence Investment Plan. “The new prime minister should come to Parliament and set out his priorities before summer recess,” Badenoch stated, emphasizing that this would require only a single extra sitting day.

Badenoch further insisted that a public address at the upcoming Labour conference would be insufficient for the level of accountability required. “A speech full of warm words to a friendly crowd is not a substitute for speaking at the despatch box where MPs can question the substance of what he has said,” she added. “If Andy Burnham wants to lead the country, he should be brave enough to answer MPs representing the length and breadth of the country on his plans for all our lives.”

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Burnham or Labour regarding whether he will address Parliament prior to the summer break. The coming weeks will likely test the new leader’s readiness to present a coherent program and respond to parliamentary scrutiny amid ongoing debates over the party’s future direction.