Greater Manchester Police have ruled out investigating allegations that Andy Burnham breached COVID-19 lockdown rules during a fire at his Warrington home in June 2021, citing a legal time limit for enforcement.
Reform UK reported the claim to police on Sunday, alleging Burnham hosted more than six people at his property when fire crews attended a blaze early on June 10, 2021. Sources familiar with the incident told The Telegraph that at least two teenagers were present alongside Burnham, his wife, and their two daughters. However, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service records confirm only six people were logged in the home at the time, according to an email from Caroline Simpson, Group Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes stated that legal action for COVID rule breaches must occur within three years of the alleged offence. Since the incident took place in June 2021, the time limit has now expired, and police will take no further action.
Why was this allegation reported to police?
Reform UK councillor Paul Watson submitted the complaint to Greater Manchester Police, arguing it was “time-sensitive and in the public interest.” In a letter, Watson claimed the matter should be investigated properly, stating: “If there is evidence that COVID-19 rules were breached… then the public and the constituents of Makerfield have a right to know before they go to the polls.”
Watson urged officers to review Fire and Rescue Service logs, which he said should detail the number of civilians present at the scene. However, Burnham’s team dismissed the allegations as “completely baseless,” calling them “desperate attacks” on the eve of the Makerfield by-election.
What do the official records say?
According to an email from Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, fire service records confirm only six people were present at Burnham’s home during the incident. This aligns with COVID-19 rules at the time, which permitted gatherings of up to six people from two households.
Burnham’s spokesman also denied any breach occurred, stating: “There is no evidence of a breach of COVID rules.” Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Police confirmed they would not pursue the matter further, as the legal window for enforcement has closed.
How does this affect the Makerfield by-election?
The allegations come as Burnham seeks to win the high-profile Makerfield seat, where polls suggest a tight race between Labour and Reform UK. Burnham’s campaign has framed the claims as politically motivated, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned voters that supporting any candidate other than Reform’s Robert Kenyon would be “effectively voting for Labour.”
Burnham’s bid for the seat follows a string of ministerial resignations from Labour after poor local election results in May. Wes Streeting, who resigned in protest, criticized the government’s lack of “vision,” while Makerfield’s outgoing MP, Josh Simons, stepped aside to allow Burnham to contest the seat. Simons described the area as Burnham’s “home” after living there for 25 years.
With polling stations set to open today, the allegations could influence voter decisions in what is being described as the most high-profile by-election in British history.
Did You Know? The COVID-19 gathering rules in place during the June 2021 incident allowed up to six people from two households to meet indoors, a limit that would have been exceeded if more than six individuals were present without meeting the household exemption.
Expert Insight: This incident underscores how politically charged by-elections can become when allegations—even if later dismissed—are raised on the eve of polling. The legal expiration of enforcement timelines means voters will decide the seat based on the credibility of the claims rather than formal consequences. Historically, such last-minute controversies can sway undecided voters, particularly in tight races where party loyalty is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will police investigate the allegations?
No. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they cannot investigate the claim because the legal time limit for enforcing COVID-19 rule breaches has expired, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes stated.
What did fire service records show?
An email from Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, confirmed fire service records logged only six people in Burnham’s home during the June 2021 incident.
How did Reform UK respond to the police decision?
Reform UK councillor Paul Watson had urged police to investigate, calling the matter “time-sensitive and in the public interest.” However, no further action was taken.
What do you think could influence voters most in this tightly contested by-election?
