Andy Burnham has ruled out calling a general election within the next 12 months, rejecting suggestions from the Conservatives and Reform UK that he will seek an early vote. The next election must be held by August 2029.

Asked directly whether he would call a snap election within a year, the prime minister said: "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."

The assurance narrows the immediate electoral timetable but does not rule out a vote before the 2029 deadline. Speculation has centred on whether Burnham will seek a fresh mandate for the ambitions he has outlined since entering Downing Street.

Burnham was elected MP in June following the Makerfield by-election. He subsequently secured the Labour leadership and became prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer lost the support of Labour MPs and resigned.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested earlier this month that Burnham would call an election sooner than he was indicating, arguing that his announced policies were intended for after a vote. She said the Conservatives were recovering after their slump in popularity at the end of 14 years in government, describing an era of political volatility and multi-party politics.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage predicted in September that an election would take place "next spring". He argued that Burnham lacked a mandate and that voters deserved a say over who continued to govern.

Burnham, by contrast, said he was concentrating on people's interests rather than his party's prospects. On Wednesday, he said a forthcoming 10-year plan would inform next year's spending review, rather than serve Labour's electoral advantage.

His position on Europe has also drawn attention. Although he wants an "honest conversation" about Britain's future relationship with the EU, he promised on Wednesday to retain the 2024 Labour manifesto's red lines on freedom of movement, the single market and customs union throughout this Parliament. That commitment runs until the next general election, whenever it is called.