Kemi Badenoch has asked the Cabinet Secretary, Antonia Romeo, to begin formal pre-election discussions with the Conservative Party, arguing that civil servants should prepare for major Conservative policy changes in case Andy Burnham calls an early general election and Labour loses. The request is notable because such access talks normally begin 12 to 16 months before a parliament ends, rather than amid speculation about a snap poll.

Badenoch said the Conservatives’ plans include reducing welfare spending, increasing defence expenditure, leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, and changing stamp duty and business rates. She suggested Burnham might seek an early election because Labour’s existing manifesto limits tax rises, although Burnham denied that an early contest was his priority; Reform UK nevertheless said it was preparing to select candidates for a possible election next year.