Andy Burnham has been reported to police over claims he breached Covid lockdown rules, sparking a bitter political row just hours before voters head to the polls in the closely fought Makerfield by-election.
The allegations, raised by Reform UK, centre on a fire at Mr Burnham’s Warrington home in June 2021 and claims that more people may have been present at the property than permitted under coronavirus restrictions at the time.
Paul Watson, a Reform councillor in Wigan, wrote to Greater Manchester Police urging officers to investigate whether lockdown rules had been broken and to examine fire service records from the incident.
In his letter, Mr Watson argued that the matter was “time-sensitive and in the public interest”, warning that voters had a right to know the facts before casting their ballots.
The claim relates to reports that teenagers were present at the property when firefighters attended the blaze in the early hours of June 10, 2021.
At the time, Covid regulations generally limited indoor gatherings unless those attending were from no more than two households.
However, Greater Manchester Police said no investigation would be launched because the legal time limit for bringing proceedings under the relevant Covid legislation had expired.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said the alleged incident occurred more than three years ago and therefore fell outside the period in which legal action could be pursued.
“I can assure you that we have carefully reviewed the legislation and we will not be taking any further action,” he said.
Mr Burnham’s team strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as “completely baseless” and accusing Reform of launching a desperate attack on the eve of polling day.
They also pointed to correspondence from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service stating that records showed six people were present at the property during the incident.
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Mayor confirmed a fire had occurred but denied any breach of Covid regulations.
The dispute erupted as Makerfield voters prepared to decide one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent years.
Mr Burnham entered the contest after a series of Labour resignations opened the door to a return to Westminster, fuelling speculation about his future ambitions within the party.
Polling has suggested a tight race between Labour and Reform UK, with both parties treating the contest as a crucial test of political momentum.
With campaigning drawing to a close, both sides sought to frame the election as a defining choice for the constituency, while the row over the lockdown allegations added a dramatic final twist to an already fiercely contested campaign.
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