Conservatives claim MPs have been denied the chance to scrutinise Britain’s incoming Prime Minister before Parliament breaks for a six-week summer recess
Andy Burnham will enter Downing Street facing his first political row before he has even taken office, after Conservatives accused Labour of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny.
A planned Tory attempt to force MPs to extend Parliament’s sitting period and question the incoming Prime Minister was cancelled after the Government replaced Wednesday’s scheduled Opposition Day debate with discussions on the Iran conflict and national security.
The Conservatives had hoped to secure a vote allowing MPs to remain at Westminster longer before the summer recess begins on Thursday.
Shadow Commons Leader Jesse Norman accused Labour of trying to shield Mr Burnham from scrutiny.
He said cancelling the debate was: “A total humiliation and embarrassment for the Government.”
Mr Norman claimed Labour MPs could not be trusted to support the Government in a vote and accused Mr Burnham of avoiding accountability.
He said the incoming Prime Minister had been chosen through a leadership “coronation” rather than a contest, with questions remaining over his policies and Cabinet plans.
The row comes after Mr Burnham secured the Labour leadership uncontested after receiving a further 27 nominations from MPs.
His total backing reached 349 Labour MPs, making it impossible for any rival candidate to reach the threshold needed to challenge him.
He is expected to formally become Labour leader at a special party conference on Friday before entering Downing Street on July 20.
Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell rejected accusations that Labour was avoiding scrutiny.
He said the Conservatives had not formally tabled their Opposition Day motion and argued that Parliament needed to debate the rapidly changing situation in the Middle East before the recess.
He told MPs: “Members will appreciate the importance of the House being able to discuss the escalating and fast-moving situation in the Middle East before the recess.”
The Government said the decision reflected the need to address an unfolding international crisis.
The clash sets the tone for Mr Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street, with opposition parties already promising a tougher approach.
The Conservatives argue the incoming Prime Minister should face immediate questioning from MPs, while Labour insists parliamentary time must focus on urgent global events.
With Westminster now heading into its summer break, the political battle over scrutiny and accountability looks set to continue when MPs return in September.
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