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Andy Burnham should call a general electionFollowing his appointment as prime minister, exclusive polling has revealed that he now has a mandate to govern.

A majority of voters, 59 percent, believe Mr. Burnham should call for an election within a year of taking office at No10 instead of waiting until the end of the five-year term secured by SirKeir StarmerIn 2024. Only 26 percent wish for him to remain until 2029.

A survey carried out by former Conservative deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft and provided to The Mail on Sunday emerges as rumors circulate in Westminster suggesting that Mr. Burnham may initiate a sudden election to capitalize on his ‘honeymoon’ phase following his succession of Sir Keir on July 20.

If he emerged victorious, it would enable him to gain a mandate for the Leftist policies he aims to implement. A rapid election would also capitalize on what seems to be a decline in support forNigel Farage’s Reform UK.

His conflict is similar to the one Gordon Brown encountered when he succeededTony Blairin 2007 – reversing his decision regarding an election at the eleventh hour, resulting in ‘Bottler Brown’ headlines and doubts about the validity of his government.

The importance is highlighted in the survey when voters are questioned if Mr Burnham should be restricted by Sir Keir’s pledge to not increase income tax, National Insurance orVAT54 percent respond positively, whereas only 21 percent of those surveyed believe he should be permitted to act as he wishes.

The survey revealed that Mr. Burnham is viewed as the most probable party leader to become prime minister following the next election, with 33 per cent support, while Mr. Farage received 20 per cent and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch garnered 6 per cent.

After his time at Makerfield, Mr. Burnham’s popularity rises to the top of the ‘best PM’ rankings, reaching 38 per cent, followed by Ms. Badenoch with 20 per cent and Mr. Farage at 17 per cent.

It is evident that voters anticipate higher taxes under a Burnham administration, as 41 percent think he is more on the Left compared to Sir Keir, while only 21 percent hold a different view.

Writing in today’s MoS, Lord Ashcroft states: “If change is coming, how much of it has the nation’s approval? I discovered that most voters desire an election within a year, if not sooner, although few anticipate actually getting one.”

But if he experiences any form of honeymoon period, he may question whether he is witnessing his last opportunity to secure another term, particularly if the Reform party faces difficulties in regaining momentum.

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