Andy Burnham’s first session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) marked his initial test in the challenging political arena of the House of Commons. As the new prime minister, Burnham faced a mix of supportive and critical MPs, with the session also drawing attention from the media, interest groups, foreign governments, voters, and financial markets. The session required Burnham to address tough questions from the opposition while also showcasing his leadership to his own party members, all while managing the high-stakes environment of parliamentary debate. Burnham, who had not previously served as opposition leader, adopted a cautious and measured approach. He avoided direct attacks on Reform UK, a new political party that has been critical of the government, even when its members asked pointed questions. His criticism of the Conservative Party was also more restrained, focusing on past comments from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and her team. This strategy may reflect an effort to avoid divisive language or to downplay the role of Reform UK in the current political landscape. Burnham’s responses were notably detailed, prompting Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to caution that the session might run over time. While thorough answers can be valuable, they may not be as effective as concise, impactful replies in countering opposition arguments. Burnham may need to adjust his style to balance depth with the need for clarity and decisiveness in parliamentary exchanges. In some instances, Burnham showed skill in connecting different topics, such as linking public spending to the challenges faced by young people not in education, employment, or training (often referred to as “Neets”). However, an attempt to draw a connection between the Bayeux Tapestry—a historical artifact—French President Emmanuel Macron, and the issue of small boat crossings did not resonate well with the audience, indicating a need for more effective transitions between topics. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, tried to position Burnham as unclear on spending matters, potentially painting him as indecisive or unwilling to commit to concrete policies. However, the success of this strategy is uncertain, as both leaders are still refining their approaches in this new political dynamic. Burnham emphasized his experience as a leader in Greater Manchester, highlighting local achievements and initiatives to reinforce his credibility. He also used personal pronouns like “I” instead of “my government” or “we,” aiming to convey a direct, hands-on approach to governance—similar to the way candidates present themselves in job interviews. Additionally, Burnham pledged to engage with MPs from all backgrounds, including those in Cornwall who are not aligned with Labour, in an effort to appear collaborative and reasonable. He has expressed a desire to shift the tone of PMQs away from the often combative “Punch-and-Judy” style of debate. Whether this vision becomes a reality will depend on a variety of factors beyond his control.