Andy Burnham should call for an early election if he becomes Prime Minister, according to an overwhelming majority of Express readers who voted in a poll. The survey, which received 8,902 votes, found that 8,528 readers supported the idea, while only 331 disagreed and 43 said they did not know.
Nigel Farage and Conservatives Demand Snap Election
The call comes after Nigel Farage demanded a snap general election following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation. The Reform UK leader warned Labour against installing a new leader to replace the outgoing Prime Minister. Mr Farage said: "Reform demands an election, and we are ready to deliver radical change. If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No. 10, it has another thing coming." The Conservatives have also called for an early election.
Polling Data Shows Reform UK Leading
According to YouGov data from June 15, if a General Election were held tomorrow, 24% of Britons would vote for Reform UK, while 19% would vote for the Conservatives and an equal 19% for Labour. The Green Party and the Liberal Democrats would secure 15% and 13% of the vote, respectively.
Burnham's Team Rules Out Early Election
Despite the public demand, Mr Burnham's team has ruled out an early election if he becomes Britain's next prime minister. There is no requirement for a General Election if the prime minister changes. If a PM chooses to resign when their administration has an overall majority, the practice is for the party in Government to identify a successor.
Labour Leadership Contest Underway
Sir Keir Starmer announced he is quitting in an emotional statement outside 10 Downing Street. He said his party had asked "whether I am best placed to lead us into the next General Election." Sir Keir added: "I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace." His decision triggers a Labour leadership contest, with his successor to be in place by September.
Leadership Contest Rules
Labour's ruling body has yet to formally confirm the timetable for this process. Sir Keir has said he would like nominations to open on July 9, a day after the NATO summit, which he looks likely to attend. Any Labour MP who wants to be on the final ballot will have to secure the backing of at least 20% of Labour MPs, currently 81 (including themselves). The final winner must receive more than half of the votes cast. If no candidate receives that total as a first preference, votes are redistributed according to preferences until one candidate secures at least half the votes. Sir Keir said a new leader will be in place by September 1, when Parliament returns from recess.
