I'm not tempted to call an early election, Burnham says

Figure caption, Burnham: 'No election anytime soon'

Andy Burnham has told the BBC he is not tempted to call an early general election and there will not be one "anytime soon".

The prime minister said his focus was on helping people with the cost of living and supporting businesses, rather than "throwing the country into a backward-looking process".

Recent polling has suggested Labour's position has improved since Burnham replaced Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street in July, although Reform UK and the Conservatives are not far behind.

An early general election could give Burnham a mandate of his own and free him from commitments made in Labour's 2024 manifesto. The next general election must be held by August 2029.

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