𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Andy Burnham is reportedly weighing up the option of calling a snap general election if he takes power in No.10. Allies of the Greater Manchester Mayor say the move is being actively discussed as part of early planning should he succeed in a leadership bid against Sir Keir Starmer.

He is also understood to be lining up Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to become Chancellor, according to Labour insiders. The speculation comes as Mr Burnham prepares for what could be a dramatic return to Westminster via the upcoming Makerfield by-election, where he is the narrow favourite to win next month after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped aside.

If successful, he would then be expected to launch a direct challenge to Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, with supporters claiming he is best placed to take on Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

Some in his wider camp believe a fresh electoral mandate should be sought quickly if he enters Downing Street.

They argue an early general election would allow him to consolidate power and push through a more radical policy agenda with a clear public mandate.

However, others close to him are warning that such a move would trigger alarm across Labour’s parliamentary ranks, many of whom fear they could lose their seats even if the party secured an overall majority.

A senior Labour source told The Sun: “Andy is considering an early general election. They are wargaming it.

“But Labour MPs would absolutely hate it. They are worried about losing their seats.

“If Andy becomes PM I expect he will have to promise the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) that he will not call a snap election.

“They will want him to sign the pledge in blood.”

The tensions underline the scale of internal division already forming around the prospect of a leadership change, with Mr Burnham’s supporters and critics both positioning themselves for what could be a rapid transition at the top of government.

Mr Burnham has used recent appearances on the campaign trail to criticise the direction of the Labour Party and the country over the past several decades, arguing Britain has been on what he calls the “wrong path” shaped by “neoliberalism” for 40 years.

He has called for a stronger role for the state in key industries and for Labour to reconnect with its traditional working-class base.

Insiders have suggested detailed contingency planning is already under way within his circle, including discussions about what his first months in office could look like if he were to become prime minister.

That includes early engagement with Buckingham Palace, with aides reportedly seeking clarity over whether a fresh King’s Speech could be scheduled within the same year of a change in leadership, should a new government want to introduce a significantly different legislative programme.

A new prime minister would be required to set out their priorities through a King’s Speech, meaning a rapid policy reset would be possible following a leadership handover.

If he reached Downing Street, Mr Burnham is expected to carry out a wide-ranging reshuffle of senior Cabinet posts.

Alongside the reported plan to install Ms Mahmood as Chancellor, allies say other senior figures including Angela Rayner and Lucy Powell could be brought back into major government roles.

Mr Burnham is also said to be advised by former Downing Street chief of staff Sue Gray, whose departure from Sir Keir Starmer’s team earlier this year triggered internal accusations of dysfunction at the top of government.

A senior party source claimed discussions over key appointments were already well advanced.

They said: “Shabana is meant to have done a deal with Andy to be his Chancellor.

“That is why she let it be known she had told Keir to go. She was manoeuvring to get a big job.”

However, a source close to Mahmood rejected that version of events outright.

“Nonsense. There are no deals being made.

“Shabana is entirely focused on her job as Home Secretary.”

Mr Burnham’s long-time ally Josh Simons, who vacated the Makerfield seat to allow him a route back into Parliament, is also expected to be rewarded with a role if the leadership plan succeeds, though insiders suggest he may instead be placed in the House of Lords as part of a broader reshaping of the government’s inner circle.

Those close to Mr Burnham say no final decisions have been taken on timing or strategy, but acknowledge that options for an early election are being examined alongside more conventional routes to stabilising a new administration.

For now, the prospect of a snap general election remains one of several scenarios being actively discussed in what is shaping up to be an increasingly high-stakes Labour leadership battle.