Labour is not “in a position where it could contemplate an early election”, Britain's top pollster has warned, delivering a significant blow to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Professor Sir John Curtice said it was a “message that the Prime Minister seems to have quite clearly learned”. Asked if there should be an early election, he said: “No.”
Pollster's verdict on Labour's position
The polling guru added: “You have heard a lot about the mega polls in recent days, and these, in a sense, put a clear sense of reality on the fact yes, the party is ahead.
“Yes, it’s now ahead of Reform, but that in itself… is not enough for anybody to contemplate the idea that this party is currently, at least, in a position where it could contemplate an early election.”
He also said Reform UK peaked in the polls “12 months ago” and if anyone would succeed in eliminating leader Nigel Farage “it’s going to be the Conservatives” not Labour.
Speculation over snap election continues
The comments come amid ongoing speculation over a snap election despite Andy Burnham insisting he will not go earlier than 2029.
Day two of the Labour conference in Liverpool will see speeches from Chancellor John Healey and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. A protest by the Unison union is also due to take place outside against Ms Mahmood's immigration reforms.
