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Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff

Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff

Summary

Andy Burnham has chosen James Purnell, a former minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, to be his chief of staff as he prepares to form a government. Purnell is negotiating terms but would return to government after previously resigning in 2009 and working outside politics for several years.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham picked James Purnell as his potential chief of staff.
  • Purnell was a minister under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
  • Purnell resigned from government in 2009 in protest against Brown’s leadership.
  • He has worked for the BBC and a lobbying firm since leaving politics.
  • Burnham and Purnell have known each other since they were new members of parliament.
  • Burnham is expected to become prime minister soon after winning key party support.
  • Party members are debating who should fill senior government roles, especially the chancellor.
  • There is disagreement about appointing Ed Miliband or Wes Streeting as chancellor due to political and economic concerns.
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