Wander through Parliament at the moment, and there is one issue many MPs want to discuss: is there going to be an early general election?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has nearly three years to go before he has to call an election and he has repeatedly and categorically ruled out going to the country early.

But the discussion persists - and many think it is a real possibility.

After Wednesday's Budget, that talk has only increased.

As one former Labour minister puts it: "Why would you sprinkle round a few politically smart (albeit small) giveaways now but delay all the really tough and unpopular decisions on welfare and defence to an autumn spending review if you weren't creating a window for a spring election?"

Others have also suggested to the BBC that Chancellor John Healey's plans felt like a pre-election programme.

They argue the Budget contained voter-friendly measures on the cost of living, such as £100 help for many with energy bills and extending VAT cuts on electricity bills.…