23 jun 2026
Andy Burnham lines up ex-Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff
LONDON Britain’s likely next prime minister Andy Burnham is lining up James Purnell, who previously served as a minister under Tony Blair, as his chief of staff in 10 Downing Street. The proposed appointment is at an advanced stage as Burnham plans for his expected entry to No. 10 on July 17, two people with knowledge of the plan told POLITICO. One of the two people, granted anonymity to discuss internal planning, said they believed Purnell’s appointment was “pretty much locked on.” The Times and Sky News reported the plan earlier on Tuesday evening.
across the coverage
Decision is one of Makerfield MP’s most significant since his Westminster return as he builds his team for government Andy 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.
the guardian
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- 22:51the guardian
Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff
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