Labour’s Makerfield by-election candidate, Andy Burnham, has faced criticism after reports emerged that he has been renting out a London flat initially partly funded through his parliamentary expenses. The two-bedroom property in Kennington was purchased by Burnham in 2005, with its value since doubling to approximately £480,000.

Burnham, who has frequently spoken about the challenges young people face in entering the housing market, used taxpayer funds to cover mortgage interest payments on the flat under the MP expenses scheme. This allowance was abolished following the 2009 parliamentary expenses scandal. The revelation that Burnham rented out the flat while charging public funds for a separate rental property nearby has drawn accusations of hypocrisy from his political opponents.

Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the Conservative Party, criticised Burnham for what he described as maintaining a “comfortable foothold” in London despite his public stance on housing affordability. Hollinrake highlighted that the property was purchased with expense claims, has increased significantly in value, and has been rented for profit, despite Burnham’s prior criticisms of landlords.

In 2015, it became public that Burnham, then shadow health secretary, was renting out a former council flat while simultaneously charging taxpayers around £17,000 annually to rent another flat close by. Although this arrangement was permitted under the parliamentary rules at the time, Burnham faced accusations of poor judgment regarding the use of public funds.

Burnham’s spokesperson declined to comment on the recent criticism. The issue reflects ongoing debates about MPs’ expenses, housing affordability, and political integrity, especially as Burnham campaigns in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.