Farage Demands National Vote After Starmer Steps Down
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has called for a general election following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer on June 22. The demand comes as Labour leadership frontrunner Andy Burnham emerges as the likely successor.
Burnham, who defied national trends by increasing Labour's vote share in the Makerfield by-election this month, has gained support from senior Labour figures. However, they have dismissed the prospect of a general election to secure a mandate for policy shifts.
Labour Figures Reject Election Calls
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell said the newly-elected MP Burnham had built up a "clear sense of purpose" and insisted people wanted the party to "get on with the job" rather than go to the country. Housing Secretary Steve Reed added: "The public do not want a general election, and that's not just my instinct. You can look at the polls that tell us the vast majority do not. They want us to get on with the job."
Public Opinion Divided on Election
A YouGov survey showed 48% in favour of a national election when Starmer's successor is in place, compared with 35% against. Another poll by More in Common, taken between June 19 and 22, found only 37% of respondents said there should be a vote, while 43% said the new prime minister should govern without an election.
