Burnham: The PM in a pickle

This week revealed Andy Burnham as a leader without a clear roadmap.

Labour MPs who replaced Sir Keir Starmer praised the self-styled "King of the North" as a saviour.

His so-called "radical" agenda appeared appealing at first, pledging to break economic stagnation, ease the cost-of-living squeeze and create jobs.

Reality, however, intervened. The Chancellor's budget, barely noticeable, impressed only with its lack of daring.

Instead of guiding the nation toward calmer waters, his policies seem to steer it onto more hazardous economic shoals, with little sign of a way out.

The prime minister has irritated almost everyone, except benefits claimants, his left-wing backbenchers and gherkin enthusiasts.

In an ITV interview yesterday, Burnham attempted to tidy the situation, only to appear even more out of touch.

He complained that his budget wasn't radical enough, despite being responsible for it.

Taxpayers are furious about being treated as a perpetual cash source for Labour's policies.

Workers face altered tax thresholds, businesses confront hidden levies, and savers feel squeezed.

Betting fans will find it tougher to locate a high-street bookmaker.

Economic growth is being choked.

Yet, constrained by his compassionate backbenchers, Burnham refuses to trim the soaring welfare bill that strains the treasury.

He offers no coherent strategy on several fronts. Regarding the EU, he recently argued the UK must draw nearer to the "collapsing bloc."

His budget's plan to cut import tariffs to lower living costs would be impossible without Brexit.

On defence, while the Defence Secretary urges stockpiling for a potential 2030 conflict, Burnham delays proper funding for a weakened military.

Immigration policy is also uncertain. He plans to soften the Home Secretary's tough crackdown, extending waiting periods for permanent residency and limiting benefits, fearing backlash from about 100 left-wing MPs.

This stance contradicts public calls for stricter immigration rules.

Burnham, known for his TikTok presence, offers plenty of rhetoric but little substance on major challenges.

In the roughly 100 days he has served as PM, he has shown his government lacks serious solutions.