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

The Guardian World Tuesday 23 June 2026, 22:51 UTC By Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot 1 min read
Key Points

Decision is one of Makerfield MP’s most significant since his Westminster return as he builds his team for governmentAndy 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.

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.

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Andy Burnham (PERSON) Blair (PERSON) James Purnell (PERSON) Makerfield MP (ORG) Westminster (LOCATION) Burnham (PERSON) Blairite (ORG) Guardian (ORG) The Makerfield MP (ORG) Downing Street (LOCATION)
Originally published by The Guardian World Read original →

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