Andy Burnham poised to ‘call snap general election’ if he becomes leader | Politics | News

Andy Burnham is reportedly considering the option of calling a snap general election if he comes to power in Number 10. Allies of the Mayor of Greater Manchester say the move is being actively discussed as part of early planning should he be successful in his leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer.

He is also understood to be lining up Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood to become Chancellor, according to Labor insiders. The speculation comes as Mr Burnham is preparing for a dramatic return to Westminster via the Makerfield by-election next month, in which he is narrow favorite to win after Labor MP Josh Simons stepped aside.

If successful, he would be expected to directly challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labor leadership, with his supporters arguing he is best placed to take on Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

Some in his wider camp believe a new electoral mandate should be sought quickly if he enters Downing Street.

They argue that an early general election would allow him to consolidate power and implement a more radical policy agenda with a clear public mandate.

But others close to him warn such a move would trigger alarm within Labour’s parliamentary ranks; Many parties fear that they may lose seats even if they gain an overall majority.

A senior Labor source said: Sun: “Andy is thinking of holding early general elections. They are playing a war game for this.

“But Labor MPs will absolutely hate it. They are worried about losing their seats.

“If Andy becomes Prime Minister, I think he will have to promise the PLP (Parliamentary Labor Party) that he will not call an early election.

“They’ll want him to sign the oath in blood.”

The tensions underline the extent of internal division already forming around the prospect of a leadership change, as Mr Burnham’s supporters and critics position themselves for what could be a swift transition at the top of government.

Mr Burnham used recent appearances on the campaign trail to criticize the direction of Labor and the country over the past few decades, arguing that Britain was on what he called the “wrong path” shaped by 40 years of “neoliberalism”.

He called for a stronger state role in key industries and for Labor to reconnect with its traditional working-class base.

Insiders have suggested that detailed contingency planning has already taken place around him, including discussions about what his first months in office might look like if he becomes prime minister.

This included early involvement with Buckingham Palace; aides are reportedly seeking clarity on whether a new King’s Speech could be planned for the same year after a leadership change if a new government wants to launch a significantly different legislative programme.

A new prime minister will need to set out his priorities through the King’s Speech, meaning a rapid policy reset will be possible following the transfer of leadership.

If he reaches Downing Street, Mr Burnham is expected to make a sweeping reshuffle of senior cabinet positions.

Allies say that alongside the reported plan to appoint Ms Mahmood as Chancellor, other senior figures such as Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell could also be brought back to key government roles.

Mr Burnham is also said to have been advised by former Downing Street chief of staff Sue Grey, whose departure from Sir Keir Starmer’s team earlier this year triggered accusations of internal dysfunction at the top of the government.

A senior party source claimed that talks on key appointments were already well advanced.

They said: “Shabana needed to make a deal with Andy to become Chancellor.

“So he announced that he told Keir to leave. He was maneuvering to get a big job.”

However, a source close to Mahmood completely rejected this version of events.

“Bullshit. There is no agreement made.”

“Shabana is fully focused on her job as Home Minister.”

Mr Burnham’s long-time ally Josh Simons, who vacated the Makerfield seat to give himself a path back to Parliament, is also expected to be rewarded with a role if the leadership plan is successful, but insiders suggest he could instead be installed in the House of Lords as part of a wider reshaping of the government’s inner circle.

Those close to Mr. Burnham say no final decision has been made on timing or strategy, but they acknowledge that options for early elections are being examined, as well as more traditional means of stabilizing a new administration.

For now, the prospect of a snap general election remains one of the few scenarios being actively discussed as Labour’s leadership challenge becomes increasingly precarious.