The PM says thank you after his dad dies

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has thanked other party leaders for their support after his father, Roy, died on Monday.

Burnham said all opposition leaders had sent condolences, in footage published on 16 September BBC News. He had cancelled engagements earlier in the week. The Guardian reported the cancellations were for Monday and Tuesday The Guardian. The BBC reported Roy Burnham was 86 BBC. The family said he had Alzheimer's BBC News.

The broader context here is simple. A prime minister does three jobs at once: Parliament, government departments, and party work. It is like three calendars on one desk. A short pause does not stop them. Staff move things around.

Looking at this working week, the key point is scale. Only Monday and Tuesday were cancelled. It was described as a family death. Westminster treats that differently from illness, and the kindness was returned.

In my view, the tone is worth noting. All opposition leaders wrote and Burnham thanked them together. He did not favour any party. These short courtesies are normal, but they help when arguments resume.

There is also a separate question of what was shared. The family confirmed Alzheimer's and the age of 86, and said nothing more. That privacy is now normal for relatives. It gives reporters a clear fact and avoids further questions.

For those running the grid, the plan for the weeks ahead, the test is a smooth return. The Prime Minister needs a clear diary. His first appearances will be watched, and others will pick their words carefully.

None of this changes the business of the week. Laws still move forward and departments still work. A two-day break can be managed if the return is orderly.