Louise Haigh, nicknamed "Red Lou," has been left as the UK's most senior minister after Prime Minister Andy Burnham departed for a family holiday abroad only two weeks into his premiership. Haigh was pictured arriving for work in scuffed trainers, and the timing of Burnham's trip has drawn criticism, with the break being dubbed "Bunk Off Burnham" by commentators, prompting a cabinet minister to publicly defend the PM's decision to take leave so soon after taking office.

The story forms part of wider coverage of the new government, which also notes Labour's Justice Secretary apologising to the family of PC Andrew Harper after Burnham was said to have left them "devastated" by continuing to allow his killers early release. Haigh's temporary elevation to de facto deputy leader has attracted attention chiefly for the informal image she has presented while holding the reins of government, rather than for any specific policy action taken in Burnham's absence.