Burnham moves to reassure business ahead of Budget as voter ID shake-up fuels early election speculation

From the Newshound archive · first published 12 October 2026.

Andy Burnham is set to intensify his engagement with British businesses amid anxiety over tax increases expected in the upcoming Budget, while Labour's effort to relax photo ID requirements at polling stations has reignited talk of an early general election. No 10 sources have floated the idea of a "sweet spot" for going to the country sooner rather than later, even though Burnham declared publicly just weeks ago that an election is "not happening any time soon." Labour is pushing forward with changes that would permit bank cards bearing only initials — and carrying no photograph or indication of sex — to count as valid voter ID, a step the Electoral Commission has cautioned risks eroding public confidence in the integrity of the ballot.

Polling expert Sir John Curtice says an early election is very unlikely, warning four mega-polls put Labour well short of a majority with around 250 seats — not enough even with Lib Dem support.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting defended the voter ID overhaul, claiming Labour wants to ensure photo ID rules have not caused "legitimate voters being disenfranchised."