It will be a safety thing - the longer the lead the more chance of it being caught on something and boiling water pouring over a child's head etc.
My kettle has a cord winder in the base with 30" of cord available but I have it close to a socket and only need about 8" to plug it in.
You may always buy the length of cord you need and fit it yourself providing you can access the base assembly.
Peccavi, April 2009
