QUENTIN LETTS: As Burnham blithered on, MPs squinted in puzzlement...
He wandered in at 3.34pm, looking at the floor. For a few minutes he had to wait in a throng of greasers near the front bench.
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham's first appearance as Prime Minister in the Commons was met with a hesitant start and a seemingly reluctant posture.
- His statement 'Direction of Government' began with respect for Keir Starmer but soon moved to less engaging topics.
- Burnham's speech lacked energy and became staccato, with content described as drab, including mention of meeting a Lib Dem leader and introducing 'visitor levies'.
- Some Labour MPs showed little interest, engaging in conversation at the back of the chamber.
- The 'triple helix approach to economics' mentioned by Burnham caused puzzlement among MPs.
- Comparisons were made to other MPs' appearances and demeanors, with Louise Haigh noted for her 'sharklike intensity'.