02 December 2023 , 18:04
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Reports that Rishi Sunak blocked civil servants from starting transition talks with Labour have angered party officials, this newspaper understands.
Cabinet Office officials traditionally invite opposition figures to ‘access talks’ to smooth the process of handing over power.
These talks usually start around six months to a year before a general election, to give opposition parties time to learn the practicalities of government departments and work through their policy proposals with civil servants.
But the Prime Minister is said to have refused to approve the talks getting underway, fearing it might send a signal that an election is just months away.
The election has to take place before January 2025 by law - but many believe Mr Sunak is eyeing up a May polling day.
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“The PM can play all the games he likes,” a Labour source said. “We’re still preparing for government.”
Another source said Labour could take the unusual step of officially requesting access talks if the Cabinet Office doesn’t come forward with an offer.
The last time there was a change of government in 2010, Tory officials had been invited to begin access talks 15 months before the election.
Similarly in 1997, access talks were authorised more than a year in advance.
But before the 2017 and 2019 elections - both of which were called before the end of the five year election term, Jeremy Corbyn ’s team were given access from the day the election was called, 51 and 59 days before polling day respectively.