Badenoch predicts general election as soon as May 2027 despite Burnham pledge

Kemi Badenoch believes Andy Burnham could call a general election as soon as May 2027, despite the Prime Minister’s pledge not to hold one before 2029. The Conservative leader made the claim to BBC South East, in an interview reported today by The Sun and SFG Media.

“We could be having a general election next May,” Badenoch said. She added: “I genuinely think Andy Burnham will call an election earlier than he says.” Her reasoning was that “all the policies he announced are for after an election”, and she asked: “If he is not planning to hold an election, why talk about what will happen in 2030?”

The comments followed her reaction to Burnham’s Labour conference speech, with Badenoch saying she believes he is making preparations for an earlier campaign (The Sun / BBC South East). Burnham, however, has publicly ruled out an early election and wants to “put an end” to speculation; a No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has ruled out an early election.” That denial is corroborated by inview.org.uk.

Asked about “reuniting the Right”, Badenoch told the BBC: “There is no deal with Reform”, ruling out any election pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform. Farage has also claimed Burnham will call a snap poll. The row comes days before the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, where Badenoch plans to put welfare reform at the heart of her plans. Labour holds a 172-seat majority in the Commons (per inview.org.uk).