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PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham rules out calling early general election

PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham - who is expected to succeed Keir Starmer in No10 later this month - said his focus would be delivering on Labours 2024 election manifesto

[Andy Burnham took part in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on the online platform Reddit]

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Andy Burnham took part in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on the online platform Reddit(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election if he becomes Prime Minister - and vowed to keep the state pensions triple lock.

Mr Burnham, who is expected to succeed Keir Starmer in No10 later this month, said his focus would be delivering on Labour s 2024 election manifesto. Despite Labours thumping majority at the ballot box just two years ago, some opposition parties have demanded a snap vote as the country prepares to change PM.

Taking part in a Ask Me Anything (AMA) on Friday on the online platform Reddit, Mr Burnham was asked: I assume youre going to call an election? If not why not? But Mr Burnham replied: No. As I said in my speech on Monday, Im going to work to the 2024 manifesto.

The PM-in-waiting was also asked whether it was time to abolish the triple lock - or have a conversation about ending it - amid questions over the cost. The promise to maintain the policy, which ensures pensions increase by the highest out average earnings, inflation, or 2.5%, was was included in Labours blueprint for government.

[Andy Burnham is expected to succeed Keir Starmer as PM]

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Andy Burnham is expected to succeed Keir Starmer as PM(Image: ANDY RAIN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock)

But the Makerfield MP Mr Burnham said: I appreciate theres a lot of debate about this but it is important that the commitment in the manifesto stands.

One Labour MP, Callum Anderson, responded saying: Andy is right. This Labour Government should respect its manifesto commitments. But we should use the next few years - while the triple lock remains in place - to have that candid public conversation about how we deliver a dignified old age for all in the decades to come.

The comments from Mr Burnham come as he looks set to be crowned Labour leader on July 17 unopposed - and Prime Minister three days later. During the Q&A on Friday, Mr Burnham also said he will ensure the defence investment plan (Dip) unveiled this week is fully funded.

Asked for his thoughts on the defence funding blueprint, which led John Healey to resign as defence secretary, he said: The world is changing fast and the challenges are multiplying.

The defence investment plan represents a step change in Britains response to this new reality and I will ensure that it is fully funded.

He then faced questions about how he would deal with foreign policy as Prime Minister. Pressed on if he would provide the same level of support as Mr Starmer had shown for Ukraine, Mr Burnham replied: Yes 100%.

He was asked by another user, with the name LordRanger, if he would continue with the Governments attempts to reset the relationship with Europe, including whether he saw scope for negotiating a more ambitious trade agreement than the one we currently have? He replied: Yes, I will build on the good work the Government has already done in this area.

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