Burnham ‘leaving door open’ for spring general election next year

It is thought next May could be a "sweet spot" for a general election for Labour.

The i Paper reports that multiple sources close to Number 10 have suggested an spring general election is still a possibility, despite recent comments from the prime minister.

This week, Burnham had ruled out the prospect of a snap election, saying one would not happen “any time soon.”

He then doubled down on this, telling ITV Calendar the next election would take place in 2029.

“All of this speculation on an early election, I can knock that dead,” he said, claiming it would be “self-serving politics” to call an early election.

However, it seems Number 10 advisers aren’t ruling out the possibility as Labour continue to pull clear of Reform and the Tories in the polls.

A source told the i Paper that next spring could be a “sweet spot” for an early election, allowing Labour to benefit from a divided right.

Another source said a decision on an early election would likely depend on how well-received John Healey’s budget is later this month and whether the so-called ‘Burnham bounce’ lasts into the new year.

Polling released in September found that Labour would be the biggest party in parliament if a general election were called now, ahead of the Tories who would remain the official opposition whilst Reform would be third.

However, Labour would fall well short of a majority.

Nevertheless, some electoral experts have argued a snap general election in the next few months is Burnham’s best chance to ward off the threat of Reform and get ahead of a potentially strengthening Conservative Party.

With the rise of Restore Britain on the far-right as well, the right of British politics seems to be far more divided than the left, which is showing signs of uniting around Burnham.