Conservative Party chair Kemi Badenoch has predicted that Prime Minister Andy Burnham will call a snap general election in May 2027, despite his public assurances to the contrary. Speaking ahead of the party’s conference, Badenoch expressed skepticism about Burnham’s pledge not to hold an election before 2029, citing his Labour conference speech as evidence that plans are already in place for a term beyond the next scheduled vote.
Badenoch pointed to the Prime Minister’s focus on policies set for implementation after the forthcoming election as an indication of a possible early poll. “If he’s not calling an election, why is he talking about things happening in 2030?” she said. Badenoch also reiterated her view that Labour under Burnham is pursuing extensive nationalization and argued that only the Conservatives have the readiness and resolve to counter such plans.
Burnham has dismissed speculation about an early election as “self-serving politics,” emphasizing his preference to concentrate on governance. After his conference address, which included proposals to scrap the pension triple lock and redirect savings to establish an NHS-style social care system, Burnham said he was focused on delivering for the public rather than engaging in premature campaigning.
The Prime Minister also introduced initiatives that would mark a significant shift in the UK’s relationship with the European Union, suggesting the possibility of rejoining the EU either with or without a subsequent referendum. Additionally, Burnham announced plans to form a national commission to review electoral reform, with the next Labour manifesto expected to propose replacing the first-past-the-post voting system with proportional representation.
Badenoch announced a fresh Conservative push on welfare reform as part of the party’s conference agenda. She revealed plans to bar those under 25 with less than six months of employment from directly accessing Universal Credit, instead requiring them to participate in intensive job coaching. This measure aligns with the party’s broader commitment to reduce the benefits bill by £23 billion.
On the subject of forming electoral alliances, Badenoch firmly ruled out any partnership with the Reform Party despite calls from some Conservative figures, including veteran MP Sir Edward Leigh, who have suggested a pact with Nigel Farage’s party. Badenoch described Reform as “currently the most hated party in the country” and embroiled in scandal, warning that an electoral agreement could alienate Conservative voters.
“Votes belong to the public, not to parties,” she said, stressing her commitment to earn voter support independently. The debate over the timing of the next general election highlights ongoing strategic calculations within both major parties as they prepare for the political battles ahead.