There are ample reasons why Andy Burnham might be contemplating an early, snap election.  There is just one reason why he should not.  He might lose, especially in Scotland.  Of which more later.

I would not go so far as to say that professional politicians like elections.  After all, their livelihoods might be at stake.  But they find electoral contests thrilling and stimulating. 

The populace does not.  They are particularly exasperated by unnecessary ballots and tend to wreak revenge – by abstaining or voting in an unexpected manner.  

In the case of Burnham, though, it is easy to understand the revived speculation that he might call a snap poll, perhaps in spring next year.  He is plainly frustrated by the constraints inherited from Sir Keir Starmer. 

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Firstly, the question of mandate.  Burnham’s Commons majority owes nothing to his own endeavours.  It is not personal.  It is entirely borrowed from Starmer.  One might reasonably say – I have repeatedly said – that this is the UK political system; Parliamentary, not Presidential. 

However, Burnham stretches matters somewhat.  He was not even an MP when Sir Keir won in 2024.  He did not stand on that manifesto.  He did not advocate it or endorse it, other than tangentially.  So, arguably, a fresh ballot would enable him to proclaim a personal mandate.   

Secondly, a snap poll would liberate him from the fiscal chains........

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