Readers debate if Andy Burnham is avoiding scrutiny after he refuses questions

Andy Burnham has been accused of avoiding scrutiny after refusing to answer questions from journalists following his first major speech. The new Makerfield MP gave an address in Manchester, setting out his plans for devolution and the economy.

But Mr Burnham did not follow the common practice of taking questions from reporters following the speech. The former Greater Manchester mayor is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and become prime minister on July 20. But this will be after MPs leave Westminster for the summer, meaning he will not face Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons until September.

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Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “He needs to come to Parliament, tell us what he wants to do and face some questions from MPs, the people elected to hold the Government to account. Giving speeches in Manchester and not taking any questions is simply not good enough.”

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice said Mr Burnham was giving a “big speech today with no questions from journalists”.

He added: “No debate in Parliament. No scrutiny from MPs until September. Power without accountability.”

But Sir Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell defended Mr Burnham, insisting it was a “good move” to dodge the press.

Mr Campbell said: “Speeches matter and when important should speak for themselves.

“If and when he becomes PM, Burnham will be answerable to Parliament, not the showbiz-style media coverage of politics.”

Mr Burnham's team blamed a lack of time for him not taking questions after his speech as he was heading to Westminster this afternoon.