Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes prime minister later this month, saying he intends to govern under Labour's 2024 election manifesto until the next scheduled vote. Get today's headlines by email Speaking during an online Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Burnham was asked directly whether he would seek an early election. He responded: "No. As I said in my speech on Monday, I'm going to work to the 2024 manifesto." Burnham Pledges to Govern Until Scheduled ElectionBurnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, is currently the only candidate seeking to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and could become prime minister on 20 July. Labour won a landslide majority at the general election on 4 July 2024, meaning the next election must be held by August 2029, although a prime minister has the power to call one earlier. Opposition Leaders Challenge BurnhamThousands of Reddit users submitted questions during Burnham's online session, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of avoiding difficult scrutiny. Badenoch urged Burnham to hold a full press conference, saying that if he was about to become prime minister he should answer tougher questions. She also renewed calls for him either to explain how he would fund the government's defence spending plans or seek a fresh electoral mandate. Burnham replied that it was a "fair challenge" but noted he had recently answered questions from 74,000 members of the public during the Makerfield by-election campaign. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also called for an early general election following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation last month. Policy Commitments ReaffirmedDuring the Reddit session, Burnham reaffirmed several policy positions. He said he would seek to negotiate returns agreements for failed asylum seekers, including with Taliban-run Afghanistan. He also pledged to retain the state pension triple lock, saying Labour's manifesto commitment should remain in place despite ongoing debate over the policy. On relations with Europe, Burnham said he wanted to continue strengthening ties with the European Union and pursue a more ambitious trade agreement. While he previously said he hoped Britain would rejoin the EU within his lifetime, he has also promised not to reopen the Brexit debate. Burnham also repeated his support for electoral reform, saying he would try to persuade Labour to include a commitment to proportional representation in its next election manifesto. Fiscal Rules and Defence SpendingBurnham has promised to maintain key commitments from Labour's 2024 manifesto, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules and pledges not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance. In an interview with LBC, he said there was limited scope for tax changes, suggesting higher business rates for warehouses could help fund tax cuts for pubs and some high street businesses. If he becomes prime minister, one of his first major challenges will be funding increased defence spending. Sir Keir Starmer recently announced plans for an additional £15 billion in defence investment without fully explaining how it would be financed. As a result, Burnham's incoming chancellor would need to identify at least £4.7 billion in savings from other government departments ahead of the autumn Budget. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 July 2026
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