As he STILL hasn't said who his chancellor will be, why Andy Burnham's dithering should raise alarm bells...

Published: 19:43, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 19:43, 15 July 2026 ANDY Burnham gives every impression of having spent his entire life anticipating the moment he would become Prime Minister. Yet four days away from being handed the keys to No 10, he still appears undecided on who his Chancellor should be. It has been clear for some time now that Ed Miliband and his allies - for reasons best known to all concerned - are convinced that he is the right man for the role. Yet with other names being bandied about and well-placed figures suggesting Mr Miliband is unlikely to get the nod, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Mr Burnham is struggling to make his mind up on this key appointment. No one disputes that it is a decision requiring extremely careful consideration. To a large degree, every premiership is ultimately defined as much by the Chancellor’s effectiveness as the PM’s capabilities. But given that that we already know how Mr Burnham has spent the past year drawing up a road map for his first 100 days in Downing Street, why the delay in deciding who to install next door in No 11? This dithering will inevitably trigger concerns about Mr Burnham’s political mettle. It also raises serious questions about whether he is actually capable of making the sort of tough decisions required of a PM. Being leader of a great nation is very different to life as a glorified council boss. From his first day in office, Mr Burnham will have challenges coming at him from all sides. Four days away from being handed the keys to No 10, Andy Burnham still appears undecided on who his Chancellor should be Only yesterday the Resolution Foundation – a Left-leaning think-tank carrying considerable clout in Labour circles – increased pressure for the end of the triple lock on state pension payments. Nor will there be any shortage of domestic curveballs and global turmoil demanding his attention in the weeks and months ahead. The question is this: will Mr Burnham be able to cope with it all? That he can’t even work out who should have the Exchequer job doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. IT IS hardly surprising that the findings of a new opinion poll show Kemi Badenoch as the first party leader to receive positive approval ratings since the election. Since taking over the Conservatives in November 2024, she has grown into the job. Clearly in command of her brief, Mrs Badenoch’s performance at the despatch box is never less than impressive. Perhaps even more importantly, she also understands the importance of honesty in politics - and her leadership in Opposition has been marked by the sort of principle that many of her parliamentary peers could learn from. Without doubt, Mrs Badenoch is one of the very best hopes for the future of constructive political discourse - and for Britain itself. SIR Keir Starmer cut a dignified figure as he appeared at Prime Minister’s Questions for the last time. However, considering the stagnant economy, our pitiful defences and the bloated benefits culture, it is difficult to agree with his assessment that he has left the country in ‘better shape’ than he found it, But his colleagues could nonetheless live to regret the ousting of Sir Keir in an unedifying Left-wing coup. As the Tory leader observed yesterday: ‘It may well be that the Labour Party’s problems are only just beginning.’