Andy Burnham has selected former Labour cabinet minister James Purnell to serve as his chief of staff, according to reports, as he continues assembling his team ahead of a potential move into Downing Street.
The Makerfield MP is understood to have chosen Purnell as one of his closest advisers, marking one of the most significant appointments since his return to Westminster. While Purnell is said to have accepted the role in principle, discussions over the final terms of the appointment are reportedly ongoing.
If confirmed, the move would represent a remarkable political comeback for Purnell, who left government in 2009 after resigning as Work and Pensions Secretary in protest against the leadership of then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Purnell rose to prominence during the Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, serving in several ministerial positions. His resignation following Labour’s poor performance in the 2009 local elections was widely seen as an attempt to trigger a leadership challenge against Brown, although the effort ultimately failed.
After leaving frontline politics, Purnell moved into senior roles outside government. He served as the BBC’s Director of Strategy before becoming Chief Executive of lobbying and advisory firm Flint Global in 2024.
Burnham and Purnell have a long-standing relationship dating back to their early years in Parliament, when both entered Westminster as Labour MPs from north-west England and even shared an office.
Burnham has previously joked about their differing political appeal, noting that Purnell would often receive calls from BBC Radio 4 during major political developments, while he would be contacted by BBC Radio 5 Live.
The pair also shared ministerial experience, both serving as Culture Secretary during their political careers, while Purnell additionally held responsibility for welfare policy at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Following Labour’s defeat in the 2010 General Election, Purnell was reportedly approached about becoming chief of staff to Labour leader Ed Miliband, but declined the opportunity.
Should the appointment be finalised, Purnell would become the first major figure formally recruited to a prospective Burnham administration.
Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament after his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely expected to enter Downing Street next month after securing the backing of his most likely leadership rival, Wes Streeting.
Attention is now turning to the composition of Burnham’s wider cabinet, with Labour figures engaged in discussions over who should occupy the most senior positions, particularly the role of Chancellor.
Some allies of Burnham are said to favour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband for the Treasury role, arguing he would help drive a more ambitious economic agenda. However, critics warn such a move could unsettle sections of the business community and parts of the trade union movement.
Others within Labour’s more centrist wing believe Wes Streeting would provide greater reassurance to financial markets while allowing Burnham to pursue a broader programme of reform from Number 10.
No final decisions on cabinet appointments have yet been announced.
Join the Discussion
Have something to say? Join the conversation!
Sign in to share your thoughts and engage with other readers.
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this article!