Andy Burnham was escorted by several Diplomatic Protection officers during his daily run on Sunday, July 12, as the Makerfield MP continues to be a frontrunner in the Labour leadership race. The security detail included two officials flanking him, two following vehicles, and an armed response vehicle, as seen in pictures taken near his home in the Makerfield constituency.
Security Escort Amid Leadership Bid
The former Greater Manchester Mayor has been in the spotlight since becoming Makerfield MP and is now expected to contend for Labour leader and potentially Prime Minister. Last week, Burnham secured 322 nominations by 5pm on Thursday, the first day MPs could formally back a leadership candidate. The Diplomatic Protection officers, specialized in safeguarding government officials, were deployed for his morning exercise routine.
Previous Scrutiny Over Running Routine
Burnham has previously faced public attention for his running habits. He was photographed returning home behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf after a run, prompting him to defend his routine on X: "It’s part of my regular routine. I often leave my car at Newton station and do my morning run to pick it up. I did it again today because I had a pint at the match. I would say check it with my neighbours but don’t as they don’t deserve the intrusion on our road."
Media Interest in Jogging Gear
The Manchester Evening News’ Ramazani Mwamba even joined Burnham on a run along his regular route ahead of the Makerfield election in May, amid widespread media coverage of his early morning jogs. The interest extended to his attire, with reports identifying the shop selling his running shorts and his vintage Everton shirt.
