Burnham drafts in Blairite chief of staff who quit Cabinet in 2009
Andy Burnham is drafting in a Blairite former Cabinet minister to be his chief of staff as he gears up for No10.
James Purnell quit Gordon Brown's Government in 2009, later becoming a senior executive at the BBC.
He and Mr Burnham were contemporaries in the New Labour era, sharing a flat and playing together in the 'Demon Eyes' football team.
The appointment raises fresh mystery about the direction of Mr Burnham's 'Manchesterism' project.
Mr Purnell has always been seen as on the moderate wing of the party, having resigned partly because Mr Brown was not willing to cut welfare.
Ed Miliband's allies played down the idea it is a setback for his hopes of becoming Chancellor.
One Labour aide highlighted that Mr Purnell was a protege of Peter Mandelson.
James Purnell and Andy Burnham were contemporaries in the New Labour era, sharing a flat and playing together in the 'Demon Eyes' football team
Mr Burnham is closing in on becoming PM as soon as July 17
One Labour aide highlighted that Mr Purnell was a protege of Peter Mandelson
Another pointed out that Mr Purnell had not been in politics for more than a decade and could find it difficult to 'get back into rhythm'.
The shape of Mr Burnham's team is starting to emerge as his last rivals look to be wilting in the heat.
Allies of Darren Jones - a Starmer loyalist - had been talking up the prospect of a challenge to avoid a 'coronation'.
But the Cabinet minister ruled out trying to force a contest this morning, saying he had been 'reassured' in a conversation with Mr Burnham.
Meanwhile, former defence minister Al Carns suggested he is also unlikely to seek nominations from Labour MPs.
Appearing on BBC Newsnight, the ex-Royal Marine stopped short of completely dismissing the idea, but said he 'wants to get behind' Mr Burnham.
Mr Burnham's momentum towards Downing Street seems unstoppable after his Makerfield by-election landslide and Keir Starmer's resignation.
If no other candidate emerges he will be installed as PM on July 17.
Attention has been turning to the shape of his top team, and particularly who will be Chancellor in the new administration.
Despite desperate lobbying, Mr Burnham's allies have been signalling that Rachel Reeves will not cling on in No11.
But unions, businesses and Labour moderates have expressed alarm at the possibility Mr Miliband could get the nod.
Keir Starmer took PMQs today after announcing his resignation
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
