Andy Burnham, newly installed as Prime Minister, has promised what he calls the most significant reforms in 40 years, but critics say he is stalling on delivering the detail. Opponents have attacked his government for delaying the publication of a promised policy blueprint, arguing that bold rhetoric on change is not being matched by concrete action, which risks undermining confidence in his administration during its early days in power.

Since taking office, Burnham has made a series of high-profile moves, including reshuffling his top team by appointing Wes Streeting as defence secretary and handing Ed Miliband the role of Foreign Secretary, while Angela Rayner has returned to Cabinet less than a year after resigning over a tax scandal. He has also backed a new "death tax" to fund social care, citing his father's experience of Alzheimer's, and made an early, awkward phone call inviting Donald Trump to Manchester despite previously suggesting he would bar the US President from the city.