The timing of Burnham’s coronation could work either way for the new prime minister.
There will be very little opportunity for debating policy until September, which will give him time to work on the fine detail, but it will also give his critics a chance to polish up their arguments against him.
There is also time for the media and, possibly, the electorate to grow restless while waiting for more of a clue as to the direction the country will take over the next few years.
Any announcements made during August may fall on stony ground as politics will, to some extent, take a back seat as participants and spectators concentrate on their holidays.
So it will be difficult for Burnham to make much of an impact.
Meanwhile, the Watford MP, Labour’s Matt Turmaine, has added a colourful reflection of his own on the events of the past two days.
He said the departure of Sir Keir Starmer and the arrival of Burnham was “like watching Doctor Who regenerate”.
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