Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff
Key takeaways
- Role would be a remarkable return to government for James Purnell, a former work and pensions secretary, who resigned in protest against Gordon Brown’s premiership in 2009.
- Prefer the Guardian on GoogleAndy Burnham has chosen his Blairite former colleague James Purnell as his chief of staff, the Guardian understands, as he begins to finalise his team for government.
- The Makerfield MP has picked his former cabinet colleague to be his right-hand man in Downing Street, in one of the most significant decisions he has made since returning to Westminster.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Role would be a remarkable return to government for James Purnell, a former work and pensions secretary, who resigned in protest against Gordon Brown’s premiership in 2009. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Role would be a remarkable return to government for James Purnell, a former work and pensions secretary, who resigned in protest against Gordon Brown’s premiership in 2009. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian Andy Burnham Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staffDecision is one of Makerfield MP’s most significant since his Westminster return as he builds his team for government
Prefer the Guardian on GoogleAndy Burnham has chosen his Blairite former colleague James Purnell as his chief of staff, the Guardian understands, as he begins to finalise his team for government.
The Makerfield MP has picked his former cabinet colleague to be his right-hand man in Downing Street, in one of the most significant decisions he has made since returning to Westminster.