Sketch writer Quentin Letts delivers a critical assessment of Andy Burnham's first Commons appearance as prime minister, describing the performance as underwhelming and lacking authority. Letts portrays Burnham as visibly hesitant even before speaking, physically ceding space to other MPs, before delivering a statement that started promisingly but soon became flat, monotone and directionless.

The piece notes Burnham opened with tributes to Sir Keir Starmer following news of his resignation as an MP, and briefly showed energy discussing continued UK support for Ukraine, before drifting into duller territory on regional mayors, a proposed "visitor levy" tax, and a baffling reference to a "triple helix" economic approach. Letts observes some Labour backbenchers appeared visibly disengaged during the statement, and offers wry character sketches of other frontbenchers present, concluding the overall impression was of a competent but uninspiring leader.