Andy Burnham today failed to rule out calling a snap general election if he replaces Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

As he arrived in London to take his seat in the House of Commons as the new Makerfield MP, Mr Burnham dodged questions about whether he might send the country to the polls.

It is widely expected that Mr Burnham will succeed Sir Keir in Downing Street following his thumping win in last week’s Makerfield by-election. 

But, as he looks poised to become the new Labour premier, the former Greater Manchester mayor is already being hit by demands to call an immediate general election.

If he enters Downing Street and fails to send the country to the polls, then Mr Burnham will face charges of hypocrisy. 

Mr Burnham himself previously demanded a general election when the Tories changed prime ministers in recent years.

He declined to give a direct answer on Monday when challenged about his past comments.

Asked if he would now call a general election, Mr Burnham said: ‘You’re jumping several hurdles ahead there.’ 

Andy Burnham failed to rule out calling a snap general election if he replaces Keir Starmer as Prime Minister

Mr Burnham himself previously demanded a general election when the Tories changed prime ministers in recent years

Mr Burnham added that his ‘priority’ for the day was to officially swear in as an MP, adding: ‘It’s been very kind of sad for me today to leave Greater Manchester.

‘The people have been brilliant to me over the last few years. I’ve loved every minute of the role. I hope I leave Manchester in a better place.’

Earlier, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Labour could not simply ‘shove’ another PM into Downing Street without consulting voters.

Even some Government MPs have echoed the warning, with Home Office minister Mike Tapp calling for a change in the law to guarantee a national election if a premier is forced out by their own party.

Backbencher Mary Glindon said Labour would be ‘hypocrites’ if one was not triggered. 

Many senior figures on the Left – as well as Mr Burnham – previously pushed for an election when the Tories switched leaders in power.

Sir Keir choked up on Monday morning as he announced he is resigning in a Downing Street statement.

The PM talked up his achievements in getting Labour into Government – as well as making a series of dubious claims about successes – in a statement outside the famous black door of No10. 

But he acknowledged that his time had run out. ‘I know the question being asked now is not who is best placed to change the Labour Party… the question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.’

He added: ‘I accept that answer with good grace… that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.’ 

Nigel Farage demanded a general election today as Keir Starmer announced he is quitting

The Reform leader said Labour could not simply ‘shove’ another PM into Downing Street without consulting voters

Even some Labour MPs have echoed the warning, with Home Office minister Mike Tapp calling for a change in the law to guarantee a national election if a premier is forced out by their own party

Sir Keir said there would be an ‘orderly’ process to choose his replacement. He said a successor would be in place before the Commons summer recess on July 16 if there is only one candidate – Mr Burnham. Otherwise the decision could take until August.

Mr Farage said in response: ‘Reform demands an election, and we are ready to deliver radical change.

‘If Labour thinks it can shove another professional politician into No 10, it has another thing coming.’

Mr Tapp waded into the election question as rumours swirled yesterday, posting on X: ‘Is it time to legislate; if a change of leader is forced by its own Party then a General Election must be called. 

‘That would stop the constant churn and focus all politicians on delivery, instead of work place politics. 

‘These endless ‘house of cards’ games would end and the country would benefit. Let’s legislate to focus minds.’ 

Sir Keir choked up today as he announced he is resigning in a Downing Street statement

Ms Glindon, MP for Newcastle East and Wallsend, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ‘I am gutted, absolutely gutted. I know some things have gone wrong, but I was hoping against hope that he would not resign. I just don’t know how we go forward from here.

‘Unlike the Tories, we won’t get away with not calling a general election. I don’t think so. We are hypocrites [if an election is not called].’

Writing for LabourList, Labour MP Michael Payne warned a change of leader would ‘invite incessant demands for an early general election’.

However, Mr Tapp’s call was not popular with his own ministerial colleagues.

Labour MP Josh Fenton-Glynn replied: ‘Mike Tapp appears surprised that we are a parliamentary democracy! 

‘The last two prime ministers to win an election then lose their job at the next election were Major and Wilson. 

‘Course correction mid-term in response to the public is the norm, not the exception.’