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Politics At Sam and Anne's

Politics At Sam and Anne's

What does Burnham’s appointment of James Purnell mean?

Politics At Sam and Anne's · Jun 24, 2026 · 22:50

0:0022:50

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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?

Episodes: Politics At Sam and Anne's

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