Andy Burnham rules out snap UK general election before 2029

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling a snap general election before 2029, saying he wants to focus on governing rather than using improved Labour poll ratings to seek an early contest. Burnham was questioned repeatedly about the possibility during interviews with regional broadcasters on Friday. He initially said he was not particularly tempted, before giving a more direct assurance that the next election would be held in 2029.

Asked by ITV Calendar whether that was the expected date, Burnham said the government should concentrate on delivering its commitments instead of placing what he called self-serving politics first. He said he would “knock” speculation about an early election “dead”. Speculation increased after recent surveys showed Labour moving into the lead, with support in the low 20s.

The Conservatives and Reform were reported to be close behind one another. Westminster sources said advisers and MPs had discussed an early vote, although concerns remained that Labour could lose its majority and be forced to form a coalition. The Guardian also reported that Ravinder Athwal, who wrote Labour’s 2024 manifesto, had taken a senior advisory role with John Healey ahead of the budget.

The appointment fuelled further discussion about whether the party was preparing for a campaign. Burnham said his attention was on Labour’s autumn conference. He told BBC South that the party would set out more details of a proposed new model for the water industry, involving greater public control.

He argued that the existing system had failed the public over the past 30 years. Labour members have welcomed Burnham’s takeover and the modest recovery in the party’s popularity. An MRP poll of more than 8,000 voters, conducted by Survation and 38 Degrees, indicated that left-leaning voters had moved back towards Labour since April.

The research suggested Labour could approach a majority if tactical voting were widespread, while Reform could fall to fourth place. Burnham nevertheless said he would not call an early election.