Lib Dem deputy leader shares ‘frustration’ as Andy Burnham dodges scrutiny while enjoying two-week holiday

The Liberal Democrat deputy leader has said it is “frustrating” that Andy Burnham has been able to avoid parliamentary scrutiny before heading off on a two-week holiday.

Speaking to GB News, Daisy Cooper said the break and parliamentary recess had allowed the new Prime Minister to dodge questions on the early prison release scandal, migration and other issues.

The Lib Dem MP defended the principle of politicians taking time off but criticised the timing of Mr Burnham's ascension, which came just before Parliament entered recess.

“It is frustrating that the Labour Party did appear to deliberately time the selection of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister to coincide with the start of the recess,” she said.

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Ms Cooper argued the move had prevented opposition MPs from questioning the new Prime Minister on a range of major issues.

“That has meant that we haven't been able to ask him any questions at all about anything, whether that's the cost of living, special educational needs, the immigration system... It is frustrating for sure.”

Even still, the Lib Dem deputy leader insisted all ministers shared government scrutiny and that Labour “should not be and cannot be a one-man band”.

“The Prime Minister does have a Cabinet,” she said.

“There are a number of people in the Cabinet who are very experienced and I hope very much that they will be doing the job properly when the Prime Minister does have a break.”

Mr Burnham has been absent while the planned early release of PC Andrew Harper's killers has sparked fury across the country.

Ms Cooper described the move as a “real insult” to the officer's family, adding: “I completely understand why the family feel it's a betrayal”.

To that end, she accused Labour of going back on its word on early releases.

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The Lib Dem MP noted that ministers had previously promised Parliament that the most serious offenders would not benefit from the early release scheme.

“We were given repeated assurances from ministers that the most serious cases, the most prolific criminals, would not be allowed out early.

“Now we end up in a situation where the Government appears to have gone back on its word.”

Ms Cooper added that, were Parliament sitting, the Liberal Democrats would seek emergency legislation to prevent the move.

The Lib Dem MP also addressed Labour’s handling of the Piddington, where it plans to house 1,250 asylum seekers in the tiny town.

Among those resisting the move are children from the community, who have written letters to Mr Burnham.

“I think what's really frustrating for people up and down the country, wherever they are, is that this government hasn't acted fast enough to process these claims, and that's fundamentally what we need,” Ms Cooper observed.

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