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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot

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

James Purnell Andy Burnham Gordon Brown Westminster Ed Miliband Wes Streeting Makerfield
James Purnell with glasses and a gray beard wears a denim shirt and looks at the camera
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 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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