PRIME Minister Andy Burnham is gearing up for a political milestone today as he steps up for his first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
Following a marathon three-hour and 23-minute session at the Commons despatch box on September 1, the new PM is likely to face another test.
He’s expected to take questions from Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch on the economy and government spending plans.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of today’s political showdown.
What to expect from Andy Burnham’s first PMQs
Burnham comes into today’s PMQs having laid out his plans for Government.
On Tuesday, he unveiled his strategy to move power away from Westminster and back into the regions, alongside bringing utilities and public services back under public control.
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The PM blamed the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, the austerity era, and Brexit for decades of slow growth.
He described the privatised water industry as a “leaking monument to that approach,” arguing the country is currently run in the private rather than public interest.
Burnham has reportedly briefed his Cabinet on three priorities.
They are: slashing the cost of essentials like childcare and mortgages, regenerating local communities, and establishing greater public control over utilities like water, energy, and housing.
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What questions will Burnham face?
The Prime Minister will likely face scrutiny from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who is expected to zero in on the UK’s current economic headwinds.
Expect Badenoch to press the PM on the upcoming October 28 Budget.
So far, Burnham has declined to rule out tax rises, though he has hinted that Chancellor John Healey will find the necessary funds to boost defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.
Cabinet Office minister Sally Jameson has promised the Government will stick to its fiscal rules, but the Opposition will almost certainly demand more clarity.
What time is PMQs today?
PMQs takes place at its usual scheduled time of 12pm today (September 2).
The session typically lasts for around half an hour, though high-profile sessions like today’s Burnham debut can run slightly over.
How to watch PMQs live
You can stream the entire session through The Sun’s YouTube channel.
It will also be broadcast on the official Parliament TV website.