New Labour all over again… Burnham drafts in Blairite chief of staff who quit Cabinet in 2009 before becoming a BBC exec

By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 14:39, 24 June 2026 | Updated: 14:42, 24 June 2026 Andy Burnham is drafting in a Blairite former Cabinet minister to be his chief of staff as he gears up for No10.  James Purnell quit Gordon Brown's Government in 2009, later becoming a senior executive at the BBC. He and Mr Burnham were contemporaries in the New Labour era, sharing a flat and playing together in the 'Demon Eyes' football team. The appointment raises fresh mystery about the direction of Mr Burnham's 'Manchesterism' project. Mr Purnell has always been seen as on the moderate wing of the party, having resigned partly because Mr Brown was not willing to cut welfare.  Ed Miliband's allies played down the idea it is a setback for his hopes of becoming Chancellor. One Labour aide highlighted that Mr Purnell was a protege of Peter Mandelson. James Purnell and Andy Burnham were contemporaries in the New Labour era, sharing a flat and playing together in the 'Demon Eyes' football team Mr Burnham is closing in on becoming PM as soon as July 17 One Labour aide highlighted that Mr Purnell was a protege of Peter Mandelson Another pointed out that Mr Purnell had not been in politics for more than a decade and could find it difficult to 'get back into rhythm'.  The shape of Mr Burnham's team is starting to emerge as his last rivals look to be wilting in the heat. Allies of Darren Jones - a Starmer loyalist - had been talking up the prospect of a challenge to avoid a 'coronation'. But the Cabinet minister ruled out trying to force a contest this morning, saying he had been 'reassured' in a conversation with Mr Burnham. Meanwhile, former defence minister Al Carns suggested he is also unlikely to seek nominations from Labour MPs. Appearing on BBC Newsnight, the ex-Royal Marine stopped short of completely dismissing the idea, but said he 'wants to get behind' Mr Burnham. Mr Burnham's momentum towards Downing Street seems unstoppable after his Makerfield by-election landslide and Keir Starmer's resignation. If no other candidate emerges he will be installed as PM on July 17.  Attention has been turning to the shape of his top team, and particularly who will be Chancellor in the new administration. Despite desperate lobbying, Mr Burnham's allies have been signalling that Rachel Reeves will not cling on in No11. But unions, businesses and Labour moderates have expressed alarm at the possibility Mr Miliband could get the nod.  Keir Starmer took PMQs today after announcing his resignation  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.