After facing criticism for heading to Slovenia while his chancellor was also away, despite dire economic warnings and calls to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis, the outgoing prime minister said he would “get on with running the country”. It was revealed at the weekend that in more than half of key government departments, ministerial announcements were put on short notice, legislation had stalled and deadlines for publishing policy papers had been missed. The latest criticism leveled at the government was that it did not respond to more than a dozen consultations, which are used to provide feedback on plans to reform and improve policies. Chancellor of the Exchequer Alan Mack admitted to the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, that in the current parliamentary session, which began on May 10, “we have identified 15 calls for evidence or consultations which have closed but which the government has not yet responded to”. In response to criticism of Mak’s admission, a Treasury spokesman said they kept consultations on tax issues “under review” to ensure policies are “fair and fit for purpose”. Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labor Party, said the country was “stalling under the Conservatives” and that the consultations were “just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Conservatives’ poor record of keeping their promises”. He added: “They make empty promises, open pointless consultations and then hope the public won’t notice when they fail to govern.” He took aim at Tory leadership contenders Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak for appearing to be “more interested in announcing unfunded fantasy economics than tackling many of the problems facing our country”. Rayner said instead of attacking each other and with the government “locked down”, the Conservatives “need to get on with running the country”. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST Johnson is due to resume work at Downing Street from Monday, while the chancellor, Nahim Zahawi, is also expected to return to the office later in the week. Although business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng admitted “I don’t know where Boris is” when the prime minister was reportedly holidaying with his wife Carrie in Slovenia, Kwarteng insisted his boss was “on top of what’s going on”. . Johnson was “nowhere to be seen”, according to Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Christine Jardine. He said: “People are worried sick about rising bills and a recession around the corner. “We have a zombie government and a prime minister who is missing in action. The country deserves better at this time of national crisis.” Johnson still has four weeks in Downing Street as prime minister, while the race to replace him continues. When he resigned on the steps of No 10, Johnson admitted it was “painful not to be able to see through so many ideas and projects myself” and insisted: “I want you to know that between now and the new prime minister, your interests will be served and the governance of the country will continue.” Truss and Sunak are vying for members’ votes, meaning many Tory MPs spend much of their time campaigning for their candidate of choice.