Andy Burnham's recent PMQs performances have centered on a defensive narrative around fiscal priorities, with the Labour leader refusing to cut welfare for faster defence hikes and instead pledging a 3.5% GDP target by 2035 amid clashes with Kemi Badenoch over taxes, borrowing, and the October budget. These exchanges, including his debut sessions in early September, have shaped trader focus on recurring themes like social security protections and spending reviews, echoing historical patterns where new premiers use the weekly spectacle to project steadiness against opposition attacks. With the next session looming in mid-October, momentum hinges on any fresh economic data or announcements that could shift the parliamentary spotlight.