A former estate agent turned politician has accused Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, of hypocrisy over his decision to let a flat he owns through a letting agent.
Burnham has been a vocal critic of the letting agent sector, but it has emerged that he has rented out one of his own properties through a letting agent.
The property, a one-bedroom flat in Manchester city centre, is being let for £695 per month, according to property portal Zoopla.
The accusation of hypocrisy has been made by Paul Dennett, Labour councillor and former Labour candidate for the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Dennett has pointed out that Burnham has previously spoken out against the letting agent sector, calling for greater regulation and accusing them of exploiting tenants.
However, it appears that Burnham has chosen to let his own property through a letting agent, rather than selling it or letting it directly to tenants.
The decision to let the property through a letting agent is likely to be seen as a conflict of interest by some, particularly given Burnham's vocal criticism of the sector.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching, particularly for first-time buyers and existing homeowners who are struggling to get on the property ladder.