Key facts
- Andy Burnham is set to become prime minister.
- James Purnell has been appointed as Burnham's chief of staff.
- Graeme Cooke will lead the No. 10 policy unit.
- Hayden Munro, formerly of Arden Strategies, will be political director.
- Sarah Brown moves from City Hall to become director of communications.
- Grace Pritchard will serve as director of news and spokesperson.
- John Stevens and Tom Wells will continue in press secretary and official spokesperson roles, respectively.
Andy Burnham's transition to prime minister is marked by the formation of his Downing Street team, with key appointments signaling a blend of continuity and modernization. James Purnell, a former Tony Blair-era minister and media executive, is set to lead the operation as chief of staff. Purnell had considered significantly reducing the number of special advisers, but ultimately decided against a drastic cut, opting instead to retain some staff from Keir Starmer's administration.
Graeme Cooke will head the No. 10 policy unit, continuing in a role he already holds. Harvey Redgrave, the unit's current chief, will transition to a new role focusing on home affairs and justice. Hayden Munro, who previously managed campaigns for New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, will serve as political director. Matthew McGregor has been appointed director of political strategy, tasked with shaping the government's long-term narrative.
Sarah Brown, formerly Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's communications chief, will take on the role of director of communications. Grace Pritchard will be the director of news and the prime minister's spokesperson, having previously worked for Ed Miliband. John Stevens will continue as press secretary, and Tom Wells is expected to remain the prime minister's official spokesperson, facing journalists at daily briefings.
Danny Coyne is slated to work on the weekly grid of announcements, while Varun Chandra will continue as chief business adviser. Jonathan Powell is also expected to remain as national security adviser, representing continuity from the Starmer era. The proposed reduction in special advisers, discussed with Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, would have halved the number of political advisors available to ministers.