Britain's top civil servant has denied a request from Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch to hold preparatory talks with Whitehall officials ahead of a potential snap general election.
Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo informed Ms. Badenoch that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has no intention of calling an early election, according to a senior Conservative Party source. The source added that such pre-election discussions can only be authorized by the Prime Minister himself.
Ms. Badenoch had reportedly written to Ms. Romeo requesting the meetings to ensure civil servants were briefed on her policy agenda, which includes proposals to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, reduce benefits, increase defense spending, and abolish stamp duty. She had expressed a belief that Mr. Burnham might call an election sooner rather than later.
Traditionally, access talks occur approximately 12 to 16 months before a parliament's term concludes, aiming to prepare the civil service and opposition parties for a potential change in government.
However, Mr. Burnham, speaking from Ukraine last week, reiterated his stance that an early election is not a priority for the public. He stated that his focus remains on national needs rather than partisan advantage, emphasizing his commitment to working collaboratively and solving problems during his tenure. He added that he intends to build economic confidence through upcoming budget measures in cooperation with the Chancellor.