James Purnell quit Gordon Brown's Government in 2009, later becoming a senior executive at the BBC.

Andy Burnham could keep some familiar faces around his cabinet table

Big hitters such as Miliband, Mahmood and Streeting are seen as in line for the top jobs; others face an abrupt end to their ministerial careers

The likely next U.K. prime minister has chosen one of his oldest political allies in Westminster who helped him become an MP in 2001.

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

New PM’s likely chief of staff, James Purnell, runs lobbying firm whose clients include tech giants and water companies

Andy Burnham's likely Chief of Staff joins Downing St from a lobbying firm that counts Thames Water and Heathrow's rival bidder as clients.

James Purnell was a cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown

James Purnell quit Gordon Brown's Government in 2009, later becoming a senior executive at the BBC.

Appointment of James Purnell, former chief executive of Flint Global, described by one Labour MP as ‘very bad sign’

James Purnell and Andy Burnham entered Parliament together in their early thirties after the 2001 general election - representing seats in Greater Manchester - and even shared an…

In Westminster, it feels like the clock has rewound 20 years

Mr Burnham's spokesman has insisted they did due diligence on their new hire after eyebrows were raised about his relationship with Peter Mandelson.

As he prepares to succeed Sir Keir as prime minister, Mr Burnham is said to be lining up Olly Robbins for a senior job in his administration.