UK PM Andy Burnham rules out early general polls, says ‘no election anytime soon’

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election, saying his focus is on tackling the cost of living and supporting businesses rather than putting the country through another election campaign.Speaking to BBC regional political editors ahead of the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Burnham was asked whether he was considering an early poll.“No, not particularly. No, I’m not,” he said.“I see all the speculation and it just races ahead,” Burnham added. “No election anytime soon. I’m focused on the job as prime minister, doing what I said I would do.”Burnham was also asked whether a general election would be held next May alongside council elections in the East Midlands.“No,” he replied. “Not having a general election.”The comments come amid speculation that the government could call an early election, with reports that some advisers had been considering a poll as early as next year.Recent polling has suggested Labour's position has improved since Burnham replaced Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister in July, although Reform UK and the Conservatives remain close behind.Polling in recent weeks has shown a change in Labour's position since Burnham became ...