Politics · United Kingdom · 3 hrs ago
Why MPs doubt an early election despite Burnham's pledge
Prime Minister Burnham says there will be no election in the next 12 months.
Some MPs are still discussing an early general election, but one veteran Conservative says reversing that promise could damage Burnham politically.
The economic outlook is described as grim, with household incomes expected to fall and interest rates forecast to rise.
The latest Budget was seen by some Labour MPs as too cautious to serve as an election campaign platform.
Burnham has promised a major restructuring of the British state and plans to publish a 10-year plan in the coming weeks.
Voters may not yet have enough detail to judge that promise, according to people cited in the discussion.
The sources give no indication that an early election has been called.
Prime Minister Burnham has ruled out a general election in the next 12 months, but MPs continue to discuss the possibility of an early vote.
A veteran Conservative says reversing that position could damage Burnham’s political brand.
The economic outlook is described by the Office for Budget Responsibility as “pretty grim,” with household disposable income expected to fall and interest rates predicted to rise.
Some Labour figures say the Budget was too cautious to make the case for Burnham’s proposed changes to the state.
- Who
- Prime Minister Burnham and MPs discussing whether an early election could happen.
- What
- MPs doubt there will be an early general election, despite continued talk about one.
- When
- Burnham said on Wednesday that there would not be an election in the next 12 months.
- Where
- Britain.
- Why
- Burnham has ruled out an election, while economic concerns and criticism of the Budget have added to doubts about the case for one.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Election pledge
- Burnham ruled out an election in the next 12 months.
- Economic outlook
- The Office for Budget Responsibility described the outlook as “pretty grim”.
- Household income
- Real Household Disposable Income is expected to fall in the coming months.
- Interest rates
- Predicted to go up.
- State reform plan
- Burnham plans to set out a 10-year plan in the coming weeks.
What people are saying
It's not an end to 40 years of neoliberalism is it?
It was too low key to be an election Budget.
It was a disappointment, a play it safe, keep everything ticking over Budget… crumbs for all,
No early general election after that Budget. We would be toast.