Commons Leader warns Tories 'be very careful what you ask for' after snap election claims

Commons Leader warns Tories 'be very careful what you ask for' after snap election claims The Conservatives described the budget as one ‘for a May general election, not the future of Britain’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The Conservatives have been told to “be very careful what you ask for” amid claims that the Prime Minister is seeking an early election. The warning came from Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell, who addressed MPs in the chamber on Thursday. His remarks followed a row over the autumn Budget, with the Conservatives describing it as one “for a May general election, not the future of Britain”. Andy Burnham has repeatedly ruled out holding a snap election, but speculation has remained since he replaced Sir Keir Starmer in Number 10. Following the Budget on Wednesday, the Prime Minister categorically denied he was planning to call another election within the next year, saying: “I don’t know how many times I’ve done this now, but yes, I can rule out calling a general election in the next 12 months.” Sir Alan’s warning came in response to Jesse Norman, the shadow Commons leader, who argued such a move would bring disruption and show a Labour Party too “frit” to make difficult decisions. “We have speculation – persisting speculation despite attempted rebuttals – that the Prime Minister may call a general election. What an extraordinary abdication of responsibility that would be,” Mr Norman said. “The message would be this: Yes, Britain faces profound economic and international uncertainty, so let’s add a little extra disruption to it with an entirely unnecessary election more than two years before one is required. “The British people would surely say, ‘we gave you Labour people a majority of more than 170 to sort out the country’s issues. You have replaced your own prime minister and your chancellor, you have failed to deliver the change you promised, and now you want another election because you’re simply too frit to make the decisions required’,” he added. In response, Sir Alan said: “(Mr Norman) talks about an election, and the Prime Minister was very clear in what he said in the last few hours about how he sees the possibility of an election. “And actually, I just say to the party opposite – if they are looking for a general election, be very careful what you ask for.” Sir Alan had issued his caution to MPs in the Commons as the Conservatives pressed their case over the Budget and the election rumours. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch had previously argued that the Budget was “all about an election”. Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Ms Badenoch said she did not believe the Prime Minister when he said one would not be called within the year. “I actually think that they were preparing for one much sooner,” she said. “I think they were hoping the Budget would land a bit better. “I think Andy Burnham, like many politicians, just thinks about elections, doesn’t actually know how to run the country – and that is a worry.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments