Andy Burnham says household budget focus offers "a bit of hope in their lives"

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election, saying the next UK-wide vote will be in 2029, in interviews held before his first Labour conference as leader in Liverpool. Several recent media reports had suggested advisers were considering a contest as early as next year, citing polling that put Labour ahead but short of a majority. Burnham said he would rather focus on household budgets and business costs, and on a forthcoming conference speech, than restart campaigning. He also said reduced cooperation with European neighbours after Brexit had worsened illegal Channel crossings, declined to promise a deadline for ending them, and said the government is reviewing options for Thames Water.