Conservative MP Esther McVey has predicted that Prime Minister Andy Burnham could call a general election before Christmas, depending on how the Autumn Budget is received.
Appearing on TalkTV on Friday, 25 September, McVey criticised Burnham for failing to govern the country and suggested an early election might be announced. She referenced the UK Autumn Budget 2026, scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October.
McVey criticises Burnham's leadership
"I think it depends on how bad the budget is," McVey said. "I think it's idiotic to go for an election, but, as I said, you and I would have a mission of what we wanted to achieve. I think Burnham hasn't. I think he's been exposed, I think he needs more time to think about what he's going to do, and I think he'd want to share the blame because he's weak."
She added: "It wouldn't surprise me if the finances are so bad that he tries to destroy the Tory Party conference by announcing it there. Not at his own."
Possible election timing
McVey also referenced the Peter Mandelson affair, declaring: "Ever since the Mandelson affair, I don't think the country's been governed at all. There hasn't been a leader looking after the country's interests."
Asked whether Burnham would call an election before or after Christmas, McVey said: "He might try and do a Boris Johnson, which was like the 12th of December, because afterwards it's so awful. No one will be campaigning during the Christmas holiday period, and January's miserable, so he might try to do it earlier."
Political context and speculation
Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister in July, has yet to face the ballot box. While rumours of a snap election circulate, the Labour leader has not commented on his plans.
Prior to her TalkTV appearance, McVey joined host Steph Spyro on the Daily Expresso podcast, where she said sources close to Burnham are urging him to act now.
"Their point of reference is Brown bottling it and not winning. The Conservative point of reference is Theresa May calling it when she shouldn't," McVey explained. "So they're saying, oh, he should, and he would win. Now the odds are he's not gonna get any more than 170 MPs, while they've got a massive majority. So it's a lot he's given up. He could be a prime minister for three years, but he's going to go."
"They see Reform faltering in the polls. They see the Conservatives doing better under Kemi Badenoch's leadership, but not good enough," the MP remarked. "A split in the right with Rupert Lowe as well, and Restore. So they think now's the time."
