Prime Minister Andy Burnham took an afternoon off from running the country to watch his beloved Everton play Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, due to his recently-elevated status, the Toffees season ticket-holder was not able to sit in his usual seat — as he had previously stated he intended to do — in the South Stand and was instead moved to the directors’ box with his wife Marie-France van Heel and daughter Rosie.
He was sat alongside former Everton midfielder Peter Reid, who was at Downing Street to welcome the new Prime Minister when he took up residence there last month.
Had Burnham wanted to use his season ticket it would have meant a number of fans being displaced to accommodate close protection officers, in line with security protocols.
The Press Association understands Burnham felt that was unreasonable and so took up the club’s offer of a place in the more comfortable seats in the directors’ box close to the halfway line.
It is understood Burnham will continue to sit either there or in the directors’ lounge for the remainder of the season.
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