Andy Burnham lines up old political ally James Purnell as Downing Street chief-of-staff

Andy Burnham has tapped into his long-standing political relationship with James Purnell, appointing him as his chief-of-staff. The two MPs first made their mark in Parliament together after the 2001 general election, even sharing an office. This move suggests Burnham is looking to leverage Purnell's experience and insight to navigate the complexities of Westminster. It's a strategic decision that underscores the importance of seasoned allies in the ever-turbulent world of politics.