UK Lawmaker Burnham Says He Would Not Call an Early Election if He Becomes Prime Minister

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Bloomberg, UK lawmaker Andy Burnham said on Reddit on July 3 that he would not call an early general election if he succeeds Keir Starmer as prime minister. Starmer announced his resignation in late June, and Burnham is the only declared candidate so far in this month’s Labour Party leadership contest. Burnham said he would stick to Labour’s 2024 election platform, including maintaining the state pension “triple lock.” He also said he would push for stronger public control over services such as water, potentially ranging from tougher regulation to nationalization, and seek closer ties with the European Union. Burnham added he is prepared to negotiate with countries including Afghanistan on agreements to return rejected asylum seekers, ensure the UK’s defense investment plan is “fully funded,” and remain 100% committed to supporting Ukraine. If no other candidates enter by the July 16 nomination deadline, Burnham is expected to become Labour leader the next day and take office as prime minister on July 20. Bloomberg noted he returned to the House of Commons last month after winning a by-election in Makerfield near Manchester.