Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to face the most intense scrutiny of his political career when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday. Having entered office six weeks ago, Burnham has largely operated outside the direct questioning of the House of Commons due to the timing of the Labour leadership contest coinciding with the summer recess. This period has been perceived by some as a "honeymoon" for the new leader.

During this break, Burnham conducted a "summer tour" across the UK, appeared on various podcasts, and announced several high-profile policies, many focused on alleviating the cost of living crisis. However, the upcoming parliamentary session marks a significant shift, with MPs now poised to challenge the Prime Minister directly. His statement on parliamentary priorities will be his first appearance on the government front bench in 16 years, dating back to his time as a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Sources close to Burnham describe the initial period of his premiership as successful, and there is an anticipation within Downing Street to return to the structured environment of parliamentary politics. A key moment for Burnham will be his debut at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, a significant milestone after nearly two decades in politics.

The upcoming PMQs session is expected to be a stark contrast to his nine years as Mayor of Greater Manchester. A packed House of Commons, with potentially challenging questions from the opposition and a large media audience, will present a different kind of pressure. An aide indicated that this debut will serve as a "learning exercise" to gauge effective strategies.

Burnham is reportedly aiming for a tonal shift in his PMQs appearances, potentially incorporating more humour. Unlike many prime ministers who rely heavily on detailed notes, Burnham is known for speaking extemporaneously, a style he employed in his first speech outside Downing Street. It is understood he may consider using a similar approach during PMQs.

His inner circle is adopting a "problem-solving, not point-scoring" approach when dealing with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and other opposition MPs. Badenoch, in turn, is expected to adapt her strategy. Senior Conservative aides acknowledge that Burnham presents a different challenge compared to his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, whom Badenoch often confronted combatively. A senior Tory aide noted that "when you get a new problem you need a new solution."

Badenoch has previously characterized Burnham as someone who avoids difficult decisions in favour of being a "people pleaser." This is a line of attack she is likely to continue in their parliamentary exchanges. The Conservative party has reportedly identified three key areas where they believe Burnham is vulnerable, suggesting these will form the basis of their opposition strategy.

The coming weeks are seen as crucial in defining Burnham's premiership, with his performance in Parliament, particularly at PMQs, expected to set the tone and direction for his government.