- Prime minister Andy Burnham has explicitly ruled out calling an early general election, confirming that the next test of public opinion at the ballot box will not take place until 2029.
- Speaking ahead of his first Labour conference as prime minister in Liverpool, Burnham dismissed speculation about a snap vote next year, stating his priority is helping the public with the cost of living and instilling hope rather than initiating another electoral cycle.
- Media reports had suggested advisers were weighing an early election to allow Burnham to establish his own governing agenda, moving beyond the 2024 manifesto agreed under Sir Keir Starmer.
- On immigration, Burnham argued that Brexit had worsened illegal English Channel crossings due to a loss of collaboration with European neighbours, promising to relentlessly target criminal gangs without setting a strict target deadline.
- Burnham confirmed the Government is reviewing all available options to rescue Thames Water, following calls from Labour MPs to place the troubled utility firm under state control amidst widespread sector pollution scandals.
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