Andy Burnham has dismissed allegations from Reform UK that he broke COVID lockdown rules as a 'desperate' smear attempt ahead of the Makerfield by-election. The Greater Manchester mayor is standing as Labour's candidate in the constituency, hoping to return to Parliament and eventually replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Reform UK's Allegations
Reform UK claimed that Burnham may have violated lockdown restrictions by hosting a small gathering at his home outside Manchester in the summer of 2021. The party referenced an incident in June 2021 when firefighters attended Burnham's property and found him, his wife, two daughters, and at least two other teenagers present. At the time, rules permitted up to six people from two separate households to meet indoors. It remains unclear how the additional teenagers were connected to the Burnham family, and breaking the rule carried a £200 fine.
Police Investigation
Greater Manchester Police initially looked into the allegation but later confirmed that the time limit for investigating such incidents had expired, and no further action would be taken. Sources close to Burnham described raising the issue so close to the by-election as a 'desperate' smear campaign.
Political Context
Polls opened in Makerfield on Thursday for what could be one of the most consequential by-elections in British political history. Burnham urged voters to 'vote to change politics'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered Burnham a 'big' government role if he wins, but Burnham's allies indicated he was not interested, stating that his strength lies in being untainted by the government's failures. Starmer has repeatedly insisted he will not step down and will fight any leadership challenge.
According to The Guardian, several cabinet ministers were reportedly dissuaded from resigning early by Burnham's camp to avoid government chaos before the by-election. Burnham supporters within the government had planned to resign to pressure Starmer into stepping aside. Wes Streeting, the former health secretary who resigned to launch a prospective Labour leadership bid, reportedly met Burnham while campaigning in Makerfield on Monday.
Burnham's Response
Burnham's nearest competitor in Makerfield is Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. However, polls suggest Reform UK is losing voters to Restore Britain, a more hardline party on migration. Burnham urged voters not to support Reform UK's candidate Robert Kenyon, warning that a Reform victory could lead to 'darker and more divided politics'. He said, 'There is a path that carries on and makes Britain look more and more like the United States of America, and we do not, in my view, want to end up there, where people can't talk to each other in the street. That's not the Britain I know, and the Britain that I love, and that's not the path that we should be taking.'
