ANDY BURNHAM RULES OUT GENERAL ELECTION BEFORE 2029

Andy Burnham has ruled out calling a general election before 2029, ending days of speculation that Labour's revival in the polls could tempt him into an early vote. The prime minister faced repeated questions on the issue during broadcast interviews with regional media on Friday. He initially said he was "not particularly" tempted by the idea, before saying more firmly that he would "knock that dead". Asked by ITV Calendar whether the next election would be in 2029, Burnham said: "Well, yes, that's when the next election will be." He said he would not put "self-serving politics" ahead of the job of government.

Speculation about an early election had grown over the past week after polls showed Labour moving into the lead, with support in the low 20s. The same polls put the Conservatives and Reform UK close together a few points behind. Westminster sources said Downing Street advisers and MPs had discussed the merits of an early poll. Those sources said the right remained split, but Labour could still risk losing its majority and having to form a coalition if it went early.

The announcement came as the government prepares its economic plans ahead of the budget. Ravinder Athwal, the economist who wrote Labour's 2024 general election manifesto, has taken on a senior advisory role to Chancellor John Healey to strengthen his team before the budget, according to reports. Burnham said the next election will be held in 2029, as previously scheduled. He said he intended to keep "getting on with the job" rather than pursue an early contest for political advantage.