UK PM Burnham to publish details of meetings with Man City

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to disclose details of his meetings with senior Manchester City figures following criticism of his comments about the club’s financial regulations case.

Burnham, who previously served as mayor of Greater Manchester, said he was willing to publish records of his engagement with the club after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for the government to release details of meetings between the prime minister and City officials.

Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, Burnham said his dealings with the club largely took place during his time as mayor, adding that only one meeting was significant.

“I’ve been asked by the leader of the opposition to publish details of my meetings, which I’m happy to do and I’m going to,” he said.

He added: “I will quite clearly put out there everything that I have done working with them in my previous role as Mayor of Greater Manchester.”

Financial case sparks questions over Burnham’s relationship with City

The criticsm follows an independent commission’s findings that Manchester City breached financial rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018. The allegations included claims that the club used commercial arrangements to channel more than £830 million into its football operations.

The commission also found that some club witnesses had provided false evidence in key respects, with some knowingly giving dishonest testimony.

City has denied wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the findings. The club is awaiting the outcome of that process, while potential sanctions have yet to be announced.

Burnham’s previous role as mayor, which he held from 2017 until earlier this year, has drawn attention because of his support for Gulf investment to boost Greater Manchester’s economy.

His comments about City’s owners also attracted criticism after he said he would be concerned if they decided to sell the club following the commission’s verdict.

Burnham later rejected suggestions that his remarks had downplayed the seriousness of the findings.

Premier League clubs raise concerns over political interference

The controversy has extended beyond Burnham’s political opponents. According to reports, some Premier League clubs expressed concern about the possibility of political interference in the appeal process following his comments.

Burnham has maintained that the financial allegations and the economic benefits of investment in Greater Manchester are separate matters.

“I don’t think I misspoke,” he said, explaining that his attention during the earlier interviews had been focused on the Labour Party conference.

“The football issues are different from the investment issues. People will try and conflate those two things, but they shouldn’t, in my view.”

Manchester City returned to action after the verdict with a 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The club’s appeal will be considered by a separate independent appeal board. Burnham’s promised disclosure is expected to provide further information about his dealings with City during his time as mayor.