Andy Burnham set to deal with the nation with main ‘debut’ speech at this time – here is why

It’s a big day in the Burnham household, as Andy Burnham will make his Commons debut as PM later today, calling for greater public control over essential services and more

Andy Burnham is set to address the nation today as he makes his House of Commons debut as Prime Minister. Burnham, who will leave Manchester for once, is scheduled to advocate for increased public control over water, energy and transport in his maiden appearance.

In his first outing at the despatch box in 16 years (at an as yet undeclared time, but it should be after 2pm) Burnham will argue that bolstering public control over many of the nation’s services can drive economic growth. The Prime Minister is anticipated to express his view that essential services have not been operated in the public interest, and have become neither dependable nor affordable, hindering households and the broader economy.

The Guardian, which initially reported details of the Commons statement, said Burnham will prioritise public control over key services in the Government’s agenda in the coming months. A source from No 10 stated: “Andy is optimistic about our country’s future.

“He has a clear plan for how we turn things round. He is determined we make this the moment we bring back hope.”

Today’s statement to Parliament will also provide an opportunity for MPs across the House to question the Prime Minister on the raft of policies he announced over the summer.

This includes a series of proposals to assist families and businesses cope with escalating living costs, such as the cut to VAT on energy bills due to take effect in October, and reducing business rates for pubs and clubs.

The PM is anticipated to endure a two-hour interrogation from MPs when he takes to the despatch box, and he will face additional examination in the chamber on Wednesday when he goes head-to-head with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for his maiden Prime Minister’s Questions.

Badenoch on Bank Holiday Monday overhauled her shadow cabinet, axing Tory heavyweights such as Sir Mel Stride and Dame Priti Patel, ahead of Parliament’s resumption. Bridget Philipson, Labour Party chairwoman, said Mrs Badenoch’s reshuffle of her shadow cabinet demonstrates the Conservatives “have learnt nothing since they were kicked out of office by the British people”.

She said in a statement: “Promoting a key architect of Liz Truss’s disastrous mini Budget tells you all you need to know about Badenoch’s complete lack of judgement. The Tories’ top team is crammed full of the same vandals who hammered family finances and left our public services crumbling. No wonder they’ve made no progress in the last two years.

“Meanwhile, Andy Burnham’s Labour Government is driving good growth in every postcode, giving vital breathing space on the cost of living, and bringing back hope to Britain.”