Will Burnham call a snap election?

About this episode

Labour officials in Downing Street and beyond have discussed the parameters in which a snap election could be called. Will Andy Burnham take the gamble? As speculation about the idea grips Westminster, host Lucy Fisher is joined by political editor George Parker and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to weigh up the risks and rewards of going to the public early. They also look ahead to the Labour Party conference in Liverpool starting this weekend, and the troubles that lie ahead for UK-EU relations. Plus George reports back from Burnham’s first major international summit at the UN general assembly in New York, where the prime minister weathered his first encounter with Donald Trump. Follow Lucy on X or Bluesky @LOS_Fisher, @lucyfisher.ft.com ; George on @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Jim @PickardJE Want more? The risks of calling an early election for Andy Burnham Treasury open to smaller fiscal headroom to reduce UK tax rises The FT’s budget dashboard: the data confronting chancellor John Healey Labour conference set to vote on new AI regulator as cabinet concerns grow Donald Trump rejects ‘globalist scheme’ to control AI in blow to Andy Burnham UK to pr