The Prime Minister has ruled out an early general election following intense speculation he could call one in the autumn.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham being interviewed by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg (Image: BBC)
Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election by insisting “I don’t think people want it”.
The Prime Minister faced intense speculation he might call a nation vote in the autumn.
But speaking to the BBC‘s Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Burnham dismissed the idea.
He said: “I’m going to rule it out… I don’t think people want it.”
But Mr Burnham appeared to stop short of saying that there would not be a general election before 2029.
The next general election must be called by August of that year but the prime minister can choose to hold it at any point before this.
The former Mayor of Manchester suggested the majority of the electorate “voted for a manifesto” in the last election and vowed he would “honour that manifesto” with the support of parliamentary colleagues.
Mr Burnham added: “I just think what I most need to do is get Britain focused on getting the country back where it should be, getting it working.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated she would back a general election if Mr Burnham breaks Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto pledge.
Meanwhile Reform UK’s leader Nigel Farage has backed an immediate general election because Mr Burnham does not have a mandate.
Mr Farage, who is not currently an MP, said there “must be an immediate general election so the country can decide the future”.
Mr Burnham spoke to the BBC in his first major interview since becoming Prime Minister.
It took place at No10 North in Manchester, which Mr Burnham plans to work from one day a week in a bid to push power out of Westminster.
Small crowds gathered on Friday outside No 10 North at Heron House in the centre of Manchester to see Mr Burnham.
He hosted an economic meeting with Cabinet ministers there, who are also expected to work from the hub sometimes.