LONDON, June 24 — Andy Burnham is bringing James Purnell, a Blairite former Cabinet minister who quit government in 2009, into his team as chief of staff. The appointment, confirmed by Burnham’s operation as he positions for a potential premiership as soon as July 17, immediately raises questions about the direction of what has been branded his “Manchesterism” project. The mechanics here are straightforward.
Purnell resigned from Gordon Brown’s government because Brown was not willing to cut welfare. He later became a senior executive at the BBC.
On closer reading, this is not a neutral hire. Purnell has always been seen as on the moderate wing of the party, and one Labour aide highlighted that he was a protege of Peter Mandelson. Burnham and Purnell are old contemporaries from the New Labour era.
They shared a flat and played together in the ‘Demon Eyes’ football team. The personal history is clear.
The political signal is what matters. Ed Miliband’s allies played down the idea that the appointment is a setback for his hopes of becoming Chancellor. But the catch is that Purnell’s return, after more than a decade out of politics, injects a distinctly Blairite influence into a leadership operation that has styled itself as something new.
Another Labour aide pointed out that Purnell had not been in politics for more than a decade and could find it difficult to “get back into rhythm.” The shape of 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 Burnham. Former defence minister Al Carns suggested he is also unlikely to seek nominations from Labour MPs.
Follow the money and the appointments. Purnell’s return is the most telling signal yet of the coalition Burnham is assembling. If the Blairite wing is back in, the question becomes what happens to the rest of the party’s factions.
The coronation may be avoided in name, but the team taking shape suggests the old guard is very much in play.
