Burnham says UK general election will be in 2029
The Prime Minister dismissed speculation about an early contest, saying his focus was on governing and Labour’s autumn conference.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the next UK general election would be in 2029, rejecting speculation that Labour’s recent recovery in the polls might prompt an early vote. Speaking to ITV Calendar, he said he would “knock that dead” and was focused on governing.
The speculation followed polls showing Labour’s support in the low 20s, with the Conservatives and Reform close behind. The Guardian reported that Downing Street advisers and MPs had discussed the merits of an early election, while parties had increased preparations for a potential campaign since Burnham replaced Keir Starmer in the summer.
The Guardian also reported that economist Ravinder Athwal was taking a senior advisory role with Chancellor John Healey ahead of the budget. Athwal wrote Labour’s 2024 manifesto and helped devise Starmer’s five missions.
Burnham said Labour’s autumn conference would set out further thinking on increasing public control of the water industry. He told BBC South that the existing approach had fallen short and was making the public pay.
A Guardian-reported MRP poll suggested Labour could move closer to a majority if tactical voting were widespread. The modelled scenario does not change Burnham’s stated position that the next election will be in 2029.
