Labour MPs and peers have told the Daily Expresso that Prime Minister Andy Burnham could announce a snap general election after Christmas, with a vote potentially taking place early in the new year.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Daily Expresso, host JJ Anisiobi, Express Assistant Editor, said he had been told by Labour MPs and peers that Burnham could announce a snap election after Christmas. He said: "I've been told this snap election is going to happen, or at least it's going to be announced that he's going to be calling an election after Christmas - early in the new year."
Labour figures share thinking on winter vote
He added: "This is stuff I've been told, not by some random sources. These are members of the Labour Party I've spoken to - MPs and a couple of Lords."
According to the Daily Expresso host, the thinking among some Labour figures is that an election held during the winter months could affect turnout, particularly in rural and Reform-leaning constituencies. He claimed the "thinking" is that in winter time when it's cold, wet and dark, "people are less likely to turn out and vote."
"That's just part of the thinking. So better do it in winter because there's less chance of people turning out, especially in those areas which are leaning towards Reform. Some of those more rural areas, there's less chance of people being who want to get the local bus to get there," he said.
Burnham's previous stance and latest polling
Burnham previously indicated that he did not intend to call a snap election, saying the Government should focus on delivering Labour's manifesto commitments. However, it has now been claimed that some Labour figures believe the political circumstances could make an early election attractive.
This comes after a new Ipsos poll put Labour four points ahead of Reform UK. The poll conducted between September 10 and 15 put Labour on 27%, four points ahead of Reform UK on 23%. The Conservatives were on 21%, followed by the Greens on 13% and the Liberal Democrats on 8%.
The figures represent a notable change from earlier polling this year, when Reform had held a lead over Labour.
Budget, conference and parliamentary term
Before any possible election, Burnham would have to navigate the Budget next month, Labour's party conference and potentially several months of economic and political developments that could alter the political landscape.
The ability to request the dissolution of Parliament and trigger a general election rests with the Prime Minister. Burnham could therefore request a dissolution and seek to call an election before the current Parliament reaches its maximum five-year term. The maximum term of a Parliament is five years from the day on which it first met. The last General Election took place on July 4, 2024.
