Conservative lawmakers have suggested that the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, could forfeit his right to use the Chequers country estate, a residence favored by previous prime ministers, due to infrequent visits. Under the terms of the Chequers Estate Act, a prime minister who "declines to avail himself of the rights hereby conferred upon him" risks the property passing to other high-ranking officials, such as the Chancellor or Foreign Secretary, or even the U.S. Ambassador.
A government source indicated that Burnham spends most weekends in Manchester, leading to his infrequent presence at the Buckinghamshire estate. However, this source also stated that Burnham has used the property on occasion and is considering hosting a New Year's Eve party there. The primary intention of the estate, according to the Act, is to encourage the prime minister to spend time in the "high and pure air of the Chiltern hills and woods" to "benefit the nation as well as its chosen leaders."
Mike Wood MP, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, criticized the perceived neglect of the estate, stating, "It seems our city-obsessed Prime Minister is determined to snub our nation's counties." Wood added that for individuals, particularly those "city-bred," contact with rural life was intended to foster a balanced perspective between urban and country living.
The Chequers estate, spanning 1,000 acres, has been publicly owned since 1917 when its former proprietors donated it to the British government. It has served as the official country residence for prime ministers since David Lloyd George first occupied it in 1921.