Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling a general election in the next 12 months amid ongoing speculation that he could seek to consolidate his position, reports BritPanorama.
Hours after delivering his first Budget with Chancellor John Healey, Burnham stated he was focused “about people” and not “my own party and its prospects”. During a visit to a community centre in central London following the Budget announcement, he responded to a question regarding the likelihood of an election.
He emphasized, “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 reiterated his commitment to the public, saying, “I’m not thinking about myself. I’m not thinking about my own party and its prospects.”
Burnham also claimed to be “leading from the front” and “putting Britain on a different path,” referencing a 10-year plan that will inform future spending reviews. He stated, “These are my priorities, not looking at our own internal party political advantage.”
The latest figures from Ipsos indicate that Burnham’s party is now eight points ahead of the Conservatives in voting intention, standing at 32 points to the Conservatives’ 24. Reform UK follows in third place with 20 points.
Poll data collected suggests the governing party currently sits at 28 percent, while Reform has seen a decline to 22 percent and the Conservatives are slowly rising to 21 percent. Nigel Farage, speaking at a press conference in Westminster, commented on the Budget, describing it as “a retail Budget aimed at an early general election”.
Farage noted that while the measures may attempt to appease a large audience, they ultimately “don’t overall do very much.” Nonetheless, he recognized the Chancellor’s performance as “assured” and superior to previous efforts by Rachel Reeves.
A Conservative Party representative hinted at a possible snap poll, questioning the timing of certain Budget measures, such as the extension of fuel duty and VAT cuts due to expire in July. In a Budget designed to mitigate the soaring cost of living, Chancellor John Healey announced several key measures, including an extension of the VAT cut on electricity and adjustments to the first-time Buyer ISA.
Moreover, millions of households are set to receive £100 to alleviate energy costs, alongside tax breaks for high street businesses. Despite challenges posed by rising bond yields affecting public spending, the government is projected to maintain £15 billion in headroom by the 2029/30 financial year, as Healey has pledged to uphold fiscal responsibility while also addressing the long-term goal of reducing debt levels.
This Budget reflects a balancing act as the government seeks to respond to immediate economic pressures while laying a foundation for future fiscal stability.
