Episode
What does Burnham’s appointment of James Purnell mean?
- Podcast
- Politics At Sam and Anne's
- Published
- Jun 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1370
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://politics-at-sam-and-anne.captivate.fm
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Summary
Andy Burnham appears to have taken another major step towards power, bringing in a big name from the Blair era – James Purnell – as his chief of staff. What does it say about the Burnham operation and the government he is trying to build? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack a decades-long relationship, and discuss why it’s being welcomed by Labour MPs, business and the city. Plus, as Starmer ally Darren Jones rules himself out of a leadership challenge, is the path now clear for a Burnham coronation? And Anne has been speaking to Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick. How do they deal with a new Labour leader, and do they have a clear narrative on migration?