Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister later this month, telling an online Reddit session that he will stick to the 2024 Labour manifesto. The newly elected MP for Makerfield, so far the sole candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer, could enter No 10 on 20 July. His pledge came during an Ask Me Anything session on the platform, where thousands of users submitted questions. Among them was Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused Burnham of answering "softball questions" and challenged him to "face a proper press conference". Burnham shot back: "Fair challenge Kemi - but don't forget it's only two weeks since I faced questions from 74,000 members of the public of Makerfield." He has given only one media interview since declaring his leadership bid.
The last general election was held on 4 July 2024, with Labour winning a landslide. The next election must be called by August 2029, though a prime minister can choose an earlier date. Burnham confirmed he would not scrap the pension triple lock, saying: "I appreciate there's a lot of debate about this but it is important that the commitment in the manifesto stands." He also promised to seek a returns agreement for failed refugees, including with Taliban-run Afghanistan, and work for a closer relationship with the EU - though he has previously pledged not to "re-run" Brexit arguments.
“Burnham rules out early election in Reddit AMA, prompting challenge from Badenoch as he prepares to become PM.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, in his first sit-down interview since announcing his resignation, backed Burnham to lead Labour to victory. "My successor will have a platform to build on, which means that Labour can go on and should go on to win the next election," Starmer told the BBC. He insisted he held "no personal animosity" for Burnham, joking: "He supports the wrong football club." Starmer said he would offer advice only if asked and would not "be on camera or on the radio giving my version of what the Prime Minister should be doing". He plans to remain an MP until the next election and dismissed speculation he would stand for Nato secretary general.
With no other candidate standing against Burnham, his path to the premiership appears assured - and The Scotsman has argued he could be the man who saves Scottish Labour, giving the party a credible chance of winning the next general election.