Andy Burnham is branded a 'dud' who is not up to the job as his make-or-break Budget looms

Chancellor John Healey's Budget arrives in nine days, marking the first serious test of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's leadership. While that moment approached, Healey spent time last week in Bangkok riding a tuk-tuk and sampling Thai snacks. Andrew Neil has described Burnham as 'faltering, stumbling, unconvincing' on defence, foreign policy and the economy. Burnham also had to correct statements he made in the Commons about the man charged in connection with Ann Widdecombe's death.

Social care, the pensions triple lock and EU rejoin talk are parked until after the election.

Neil argues that Burnham's support for Manchester City during his mayoral tenure revealed 'crony capitalism at its worst'.