Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed he will not call a snap general election, telling the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that he intends to rule it out. 'I don't think people want it,' he said.
Honouring the 2024 Manifesto
Burnham stated that the majority of the public 'voted for a manifesto' in 2024, one he would 'honour'. He emphasised his commitment to parliamentary democracy and the existing mandate. 'We live in a parliamentary democracy. There was a manifesto in 2024. I'm sticking to that manifesto,' he said. 'I'm bringing forward my version but it is still within that manifesto.'
The Prime Minister argued that a general election would postpone essential work focused on national recovery. 'What I most need to do is get Britain focused on getting the country back where it should be, getting it working,' he added. 'That is the biggest priority right now. A general election would postpone that essential work.'
No 10 North: A Shift in Government Operations
When asked about his new base of operations, Burnham confirmed that he is establishing a 'No 10 North' in Manchester, a move he says is not a gimmick. He noted that traveling to London incurs significant expense. 'We all spend so much money going to London all the time, and that's the way it's always been. We all have to buy train tickets,' he said. 'Now I can meet people from across the country in Manchester, it saves a lot of expense.'
Burnham highlighted that a large portion of the government was present with him in Manchester, including the Chancellor, the Cabinet Secretary, the First Secretary of State, and the Transport Secretary. 'Taking decisions there means we're rebalancing power in the country aren't we? And the benefits that will fall to Manchester are massive,' he asserted. However, he stressed that the initiative is about redistributing power across all regions. 'It's about No 10 North taking power out of Whitehall and putting it into all parts of the country. That's its job. People should not underestimate the scale of what we're doing.'
Civil Service Backing
Burnham expressed confidence in the civil service's support for his approach. 'The good news is the civil service is really strongly buying it. I think they realised that what we've been doing hasn't been working as a country. We're not where we should be,' he said. This endorsement underscores a recognition of the need for change in how the country is governed.
Implications for Birmingham and the West Midlands
While Burnham's focus is on Manchester and rebalancing power from Whitehall, the move could have implications for other regions, including Birmingham and the West Midlands. The establishment of a northern government hub may set a precedent for further decentralisation, potentially benefiting other major cities. However, Burnham made no specific mention of Birmingham in his interview.
This decision to rule out a snap election ends weeks of speculation following his unexpected ascension to the premiership. Burnham's insistence on adhering to the 2024 manifesto signals a period of continuity rather than radical change, at least in the short term. His approach reflects his experience as Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he emphasised devolution and local decision-making.
By avoiding an early election, Burnham buys time to implement his version of the manifesto and demonstrate results. The political landscape remains uncertain, but for now, the Prime Minister is focused on governing with the mandate he has, rather than seeking a new one.
