UK Prime Minister warned against early election as Reform UK gains ground

Polling expert Sir John Curtice has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham against calling an early general election, noting that Reform UK could potentially become the largest party in Parliament. While Reform UK has recently faced a slump in polls and various investigations, recent data suggests that an early vote could result in Labour losing its majority. One major poll indicates Reform UK could secure more seats than Labour.

Political speculation regarding a snap election is also being driven by fiscal pressures. Chancellor John Healey faces significant budgetary challenges, including a £4.7bn deficit in defence investment and global bond market volatility. There are suggestions that the government may delay a general election until Spring 2027 to avoid the political fallout of necessary tax increases required to balance the books.