Burnham taking holiday abroad after two weeks as UK PM

The 39-year-old, who is Mr Burnham's de facto deputy in her role as First Secretary of State, was photographed going about her duties in Whitehall in the Prime Minister's absence.

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Andy Burnham’s Labour Party is leading Nigel Farage’s Reform UK for the first time in more than a year, according to a new poll, adding to signs that Britain’s new premier has boosted the standing of the governing party.

Downing Street says the PM remains in contact with officials, but Reform UK says he has "bunked off".

While Andy Burnham is overseas, his de-facto deputy Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will be the most senior minister in Westminster.

The latest YouGov survey shows Reform are backed by 23 per cent of voters, up one percentage point since last week, with Labour remaining on 22 per cent.

Mr Burnham, who only entered office on 20 July, is taking a break from his day-to-day duties to travel abroad with his family for a long-planned trip.

Allies insisted Andy Burnham would remain in contact with officials and the business of government would continue

Andy Burnham’s social media push appears to be resonating with some voters. But he faces big decisions about how to pay for his promises.

Mr Burnham is taking a break from his day-to-day duties for a long-planned family holiday and is not expected to appear publicly this week.

Allies insist Andy Burnham will remain in contact with officials as the new UK prime minister goes on holiday after just two weeks in the job.