Labour leader Steve Burnham has firmly ruled out calling an early general election, despite recent polls showing a surge in support for his party. Speaking in an interview with ITV Calendar, Burnham confirmed that the next election would take place as scheduled in 2029, dismissing speculation about an imminent poll as unfounded.

“People want me, new in office, to be getting on with the job of delivering on the things that we’ve discussed, rather than putting self-serving politics before that,” Burnham said. “I’m not going to do that.” His comments mark a clear departure from earlier, more cautious responses to speculation about an early vote following Labour’s improved polling numbers.

Over the past week, Labour has gained a lead in several polls, with support reaching the low 20s, while the Conservative Party and Reform Party are closely matched just behind. These figures prompted discussions within Downing Street and among Conservative MPs about the possibility of an early election. However, government insiders caution that a snap poll could backfire for Labour, potentially costing them a majority and forcing a coalition government.

In the meantime, Labour appears to be strengthening its team in preparation for the next scheduled election. Ravinder Athwal, an economist credited with helping craft Labour’s 2024 manifesto, has taken on a senior advisory role to Chancellor John Healey ahead of the upcoming budget. Athwal, a Cambridge graduate, was instrumental in developing Keir Starmer’s five “missions” that are intended to guide the party’s policy approach.

Healey recruited Athwal from Flint Global, a business advisory firm previously led by James Purnell, Burnham’s chief of staff and a former cabinet minister in the Tony Blair government. This move signals Labour’s commitment to sharpening its economic messaging and policy development as it prepares for long-term governance.

Since Burnham assumed leadership earlier this summer, all major parties have ramped up campaign preparations, anticipating a possible election call during the Labour leader’s rising popularity. Nonetheless, Burnham has reiterated that his priority remains on delivering effective government rather than seeking an electoral advantage.

Looking ahead to Labour’s autumn party conference, Burnham indicated that a significant focus of his keynote address will be on reforming the water industry. He emphasized the need for a new model that increases public control and criticizes the performance of the sector over the past three decades. “What we’ve had in the last 30 years is nowhere near good enough and is actually letting the public pay,” he told BBC South.

Burnham’s assertions suggest a strategy centered on policy delivery and long-term planning, distancing the party from the short-term political maneuvering that often accompanies calls for early elections.