Kemi Badenoch warns Tories must be ready for snap election in May despite Burnham trying to kill fevered speculation
Kemi Badenoch has told Conservatives to prepare for a possible general election in May, arguing that Andy Burnham’s policy plans appear to depend on voters returning Labour to power. Burnham has publicly dismissed speculation about an early poll, saying he expects no election before 2029.
Badenoch pointed to proposals Burnham says would take effect after an election, including social care reforms and scrapping the state pension triple lock to help pay for them. Labour’s polling lead has grown since Burnham replaced Keir Starmer, but remains short of an outright majority; an election would be a gamble for a government with a large majority and more than two years left in Parliament.
- Badenoch says Conservatives should prepare for a possible May election.
- Burnham has ruled out a poll before 2029.
- Labour’s polling lead remains short of a majority.
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Labour is currently in government under Andy Burnham, who recently became party leader. The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, is in opposition. The next scheduled general election is not due until 2029, but politicians and commentators have periodically speculated about whether one might happen sooner.
Burnham has said he expects the government to serve its full term until 2029. Badenoch has warned her party to prepare for a possible snap election. The two leaders have taken opposing positions on the likelihood of an early poll.
The timing of elections matters to voters because it determines when they get to judge the government and affects what the government can accomplish. Labour currently holds a large majority, which would normally give it considerable time to pursue its agenda.