Andy Burnham has spent his first full day as Prime Minister holding his inaugural Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, but the day has done little to quiet doubts about his readiness for the role, with critics pointing to apparent contradictions in his early approach to governing. Rather than moving to a permanent northern presence, he split his time by basing himself at a Manchester site dubbed "No10 North", insisting the arrangement is "not a gimmick" despite a proper northern office not being due to open until 2032.

The scrutiny sharpened after Burnham told his Cabinet that ministers must "always show how they are going to pay" for any new policy, a warning that came just hours after he had unveiled an £850 million energy bills support package that opponents say has not itself been properly funded. Separately, the Conservatives have renewed pressure on Angela Rayner to repay a £17,000 severance payment she received after quitting over a tax row, given she has since returned to her former role within ten months.