Andy Burnham picks former Blair minister James Purnell as chief of staff
Decision is one of Makerfield MP’s most significant since his Westminster return as he builds his team for government
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham has appointed former colleague James Purnell as his chief of staff.
- Purnell previously served as Work and Pensions Secretary and resigned from Gordon Brown's government.
- He has also worked for the BBC and a lobbying firm.
- This is a significant appointment as Burnham builds his team for government.
- Debate continues within the party over who should be appointed Chancellor, with Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting being considered.