Reform politicians have taken a critical stance to Mr Burnham’s absence
Andy Burnham is enjoying a holiday for the rest of the week despite only taking office two weeks ago.
The new Prime Minister pushed ahead with his plans for a summer holiday with his family a fortnight after winning the keys to Downing Street.
He is said to be taking a break from his day-to-day duties, but No10 insists he will remain in contact with key officials while away.
It has not been revealed where Mr Burnham is travelling for his getaway.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Government continues to operate as normal with the Prime Minister remaining in contact with officials, holding meetings and receiving regular updates on government business."
Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, will be the most senior Government minister officially working this week.
Reform politicians have taken a critical stance to Mr Burnham’s absence, with its deputy leader Richard Tice writing on X: "Open borders part-time, Burnham.
"Britain is broken. Britain is being invaded. Yet Burnham disappears."
Lee Anderson, the chairman of Reform UK, accused Mr Burnham of running from office.
He said: "Two weeks into the job and Andy Burnham has already had enough. After dropping a number of unfunded commitments and overseeing over 2,000 illegal migrants breaking into our country, he’s bunked off for a jolly abroad.
Despite backlash from Reform UK, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she will not criticise the Prime Minister for taking a holiday just over two weeks into his premiership.
Mrs Badenoch said "everybody should be taking a break" while children are off school.
She told reporters: "I’m not going to criticise a politician for taking a holiday. I’m not going to criticise Andy Burnham for that.
"It’s children’s school holidays, my children are on a holiday, I hope that everybody should be taking a break.
"What I will criticise Andy Burnham for is not coming to Parliament after becoming Prime Minister."
She added: "He should have done that and allowed himself to face questions from MPs.
"That’s what we’re elected to do. We are the elected representatives of the people.
"Andy Burnham was running away from Parliament. He can’t run away forever.
"I’m not going to be giving him a holiday when we come back in September."
