Burnham rules out UK general election in next 12 months

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling a UK general election in the next 12 months, rejecting speculation from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage that an earlier poll could be held.

Asked directly whether he would call a snap election within a year, Burnham told broadcasters: “I don't know how many times I've done this now but yes, I can rule out calling a general election in the next 12 months.” He said his focus was on the public rather than Labour’s prospects.

Badenoch has argued that Burnham may call an election sooner than he says, while Farage said in September he believed there would be one “next spring”. Their predictions contrast with Burnham’s pledge, though he has repeatedly denied seeking an early poll.

The next general election must be held by August 2029. Burnham became an MP after winning the Makerfield by-election in June, then became Labour leader and prime minister after Keir Starmer resigned. The BBC reports that Burnham has set out policy ambitions that have prompted questions about whether he might seek a fresh mandate before 2029.

On Wednesday, Burnham said his government had a 10-year plan that would inform next year’s spending review. He also pledged to keep Labour’s 2024 manifesto red lines on EU freedom of movement, the single market and customs union “for the whole of this Parliament”.