Story perspectives

Burnham says “individual” killed Widdecombe, Hansard corrected

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 3:10 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Accusation of Policy Laxity

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said an “individual” was responsible for Ann Widdecombe’s murder during Minister’s Questions, prompting request for Hansard correction.
Defence Secretary Kemi Badenoch was accused by Burnham of lacking control over defence policy, and she urged a timetable to reach 3 % of GDP spending.
A No 10 spokeswoman confirmed the Hansard correction would be published.
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell said Burnham misspoke, apologized and the record was corrected.

Left

Speaker Grants Waiver

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said an “individual” was responsible for Ann Widdecombe’s murder during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.
The remark was criticised for breaching the presumption of innocence and endangering the fairness of the ongoing legal process.
Shadow Commons leader Jesse Norman said the comment violated presumption of innocence and demanded apology.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle granted a waiver permitting charge mentions while barring speculation on guilt.

Blindspot

Prime Minister Andy Burnham accused Defence Secretary Kemi Badenoch of not being in control of her own defence policy, and Badenoch urged Burnham to set a timetable for reaching a 3 % of GDP defence-spending target.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

1 of 3

Accusation of Policy Laxity

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said an “individual” was responsible for Ann Widdecombe’s murder during Minister’s Questions, prompting request for Hansard correction.
Defence Secretary Kemi Badenoch was accused by Burnham of lacking control over defence policy, and she urged a timetable to reach 3 % of GDP spending.
A No 10 spokeswoman confirmed the Hansard correction would be published.
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell said Burnham misspoke, apologized and the record was corrected.

1 / 3