Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has opened the door to calling a snap general election if he comes out on top in Labour's ongoing civil war.
Mr Burnham, who is looking to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour Party leadership after this month's by-election in Makerfield, is said to be preparing for an early poll as he seeks a mandate from the British people.
The ex-Leigh MP faces a huge challenge from Reform UK to win in Makerfield, with Nigel Farage currently leading in the national opinion polls.
However, Mr Burnham's allies hope the two-time Labour leadership contender emulates Mark Carney's sweeping snap poll win in Canada.
A senior Labour source told The Sun: "Andy is considering an early general election. They are wargaming it.
"But Labour MPs would absolutely hate it. They are worried about losing their seats.
"If Andy becomes PM, I expect he will have to promise the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) that he will not call a snap election. They will want him to sign the pledge in blood."
A fresh mandate could help Mr Burnham put controversial policy ideas into a new Labour manifesto, including on the UK's relationship with the EU and tax increases.
Andy Burnham is still on the campaign trail ahead of Makerfield
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However, Labour MPs will remain cautious about losing seats to both Reform UK and the Green Party.
Despite not publicly commenting on holding a snap poll, Mr Burnham today released a statement focused on restoring trust.
He said: "We need a new political culture that is rooted in accountability and a genuine focus on the priorities of working people.
"If we are serious about restoring trust in politics, we must rebuild a system where public service is at the heart of decision-making."
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is still narrowly ahead of Andy Burnham's Labour in the polls
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Mr Burnham might also be hoping to catch his opponents off guard by calling a snap poll.
Tory insiders have admitted the Conservative Party is not ready for the country to go to the polls.
"The fear is that it will catch us completely off guard," a Tory source told The Daily Mail. "We are not ready."
However, Mr Farage is already calling for a snap general election if Mr Burnham replaces Sir Keir as Prime Minister.
Andy Burnham is eyeing up a return to Westminster | GETTYSpeaking to The Telegraph, the Reform UK leader said: "Yes. The public have had enough of Prime Ministers constantly changing.”
Despite Mr Burnham considering a snap general election, the Greater Manchester Mayor still risks handing the keys of No10 to Mr Farage.
A bombshell BMG Research poll found Mr Burnham would give Labour a two-point boost.
Meanwhile, Reform UK's support would likely drop from 25 per cent to 23 per cent.
Kemi Badenoch is not ready for a snap poll, Tory insiders have warned
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However, Labour's surge would cut Reform UK's lead from seven to just three per cent, raising the prospect of a paralysing hung parliament.
BMG pollster Jack Curry said: "When we tested likelihood to vote for Burnham’s Labour against Starmer’s, there was a small increase in those who would back the party under Burnham, but even if he wins the Makerfield by-election and becomes Labour leader, it is by no means guaranteed he would turn around Labour’s electoral fortunes straight away."
The research also revealed voters support calling an early election if Mr Burnham replaces Sir Keir as Labour leader.
Almost half – 48 per cent – backed a snap poll compared to just 32 per cent who opposed the idea.