Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield and expected successor to Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, has called for a change in legislation to allow football supporters to drink alcohol in the stands at matches. The 56-year-old made the remarks after attending the Magic Weekend at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where he watched Leigh Leopards defeat Warrington Wolves 24-6.
Burnham Questions Alcohol Ban at Football Matches
In a video shared on social media, Burnham, alongside Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram holding what appeared to be a pint of lager, said: “I've only got one question though about this day today... how come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can't do that at an Everton home game? There's something wrong there, we need to take a look at that.”
The Sporting Events Act 1985 currently prohibits fans in the UK from consuming alcohol within direct view of the pitch at top-level football matches. Burnham’s comments signal a potential review of the law if he becomes Prime Minister.
Burnham’s Sporting Allegiances
Burnham, a season ticket holder at Hill Dickinson Stadium, has supported Everton since the early 1970s and also has strong ties with Super League club Leigh Leopards, having previously served as the town’s MP. Speaking ahead of the Magic Weekend game, he said: “In the early 80s, Everton were having one of their many bad phases, and my brother said, 'Leigh are doing alright, let's go and jump on the bandwagon'. It was the season of Des Drummond and John Woods, I saw Leigh lift that championship at Hill Park. I go a lot. I was the MP for Leigh, and I’ve worked with Mr (Derek) Beaumont over the years and on the building of the Leigh Sports Village. It does my heart so good to see Leigh playing in my home ground, Everton Football Club. These are the two greatest loves of my sporting life! This is massive for me!”
Burnham on Leadership and David Moyes
During an interview on Sky Sports, Burnham was asked by former St Helens star John Wilkin about what makes a great leader. He responded: “It's a great question. It's about setting high ambitions but being prepared to walk in everybody's shoes and understand how everyone in the team is feeling and showing that you are prepared to stand beside them. We've got a great leader here in Adrian Lam, but I'm actually thinking of the great David Moyes, who very much is a person who understands people and gets the best out of them.” He added: “As Mayor of Greater Manchester, I followed the Moyes playbook and I probably did better than him in Manchester than David Moyes did in Manchester.”
Burnham Pledges Support for Rugby League
Burnham, a former president of the Rugby Football League, also promised to back the sport from the highest office if he becomes Prime Minister. He said: “I am a former president of the Rugby Football League and to have that honour was huge for me. I would back this sport from the highest office. Sir Lindsay Hoyle does that with great distinction as Speaker of the House of Commons and perhaps the two of us can form a pretty powerful axis if it does come to pass for the sport. This sport does need more. It’s a brilliant spectacle, but I think rugby league deserves more. We saw Sir Kevin (Sinfield) get his rightful recognition, but where is rugby league’s recognition more broadly? Where’s the investment in the grassroots facilities? I’d like to see more backing for the sport at every single level. You’ll have two very powerful backers if all of the plans are fulfilled.”
