Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election as his government prepares for a difficult autumn dominated by Britain's financial outlook and the October Budget.

Speaking during his visit to Kyiv, Burnham said the UK faces a “challenging” financial situation and stressed that his government would take a cautious approach to economic management.

The Prime Minister said he wants to support households facing cost-of-living pressures, while avoiding policies that could undermine economic confidence or push up borrowing costs.

Burnham also left open the possibility of tax increases in the October Budget, although he reiterated Labour's manifesto commitments not to increase income tax, VAT or employee national insurance.

His decision not to seek an early election comes despite recent polling showing a closely fought contest between the major parties. A YouGov poll conducted on 16–17 August put Reform UK on 24%, Labour on 22% and the Conservatives on 19%.

The October Budget could therefore become one of Burnham's first major domestic political tests, with voters watching closely to see whether the government can balance public spending, taxation and economic stability.