Burnham rules out calling an early general election in the next 12 months – but Farage claims ‘retail Budget’ makes him ‘ever more convinced’ PM will go to the polls next May

Andy Burnham ruled out calling a general election in the next 12 months, despite speculation that his Budget could be preparing the ground for an early vote. He said his priorities were helping the public and pursuing a long-term plan, rather than securing an advantage for his party.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the Budget’s household measures were “little giveaways” designed to set up an election next May, a prediction he said he had made since September 2024. The article says Labour’s improved poll standing and Reform’s recent difficulties have fuelled speculation, while the Budget extended fuel duty and a VAT cut on household bills only until July. A Conservative spokesman pointed to those July dates and asked what might happen in June.