From welfare to prisons: the challenges for Burnham when MPs return to Commons

PM’s honeymoon period will come to an end as he makes decisions on the budget, welfare, migration and prisons

Andy Burnham has enjoyed a month-long honeymoon period since he became prime minister, winning public support with a series of popular but relatively low-cost announcements. They have included cutting VAT on electricity bills, reducing the cost of bus travel and reviewing business rates for small businesses.

But as MPs prepare to return to the Commons in just over a week, the prime minister is about to face his first real challenge in office, as he makes a number of key decisions that could create enemies but define his premiership.