Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is understood to want continuity in the No 10 operation and has now filled most senior No 10 jobs, with many of Keir Starmer's aides due to remain at the centre of government.
Key Advisers Retained
The new team will oversee policy announcements next week, including new details on energy, water and the cost of living. Many of those who advised Starmer have been asked to stay on, including Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser; Varun Chandra, the No 10 business adviser; and Graeme Cooke, who is being promoted to run the policy unit.
New Appointments from Private Sector
Several others have been brought in from the private sector. They include James Purnell, former chief executive of Flint Global, who will be chief of staff, and Hayden Munro, recruited from Arden Strategies, to be political director. The press team will be led by former Sadiq Khan aide Sarah Brown, while Grace Pritchard, former special adviser to Ed Miliband, will be the prime minister's spokesperson. John Stevens, a former journalist, will remain in No 10 as press secretary.
External Hires
Others are coming from outside, including Matthew McGregor, joining from the campaign group 38 Degrees, as director of political strategy. Alison Phillips, former editor of the Mirror and chief executive of ThinkLabour, will be made transition director to avoid early mistakes. A spokesperson said: 'Her priority will be to establish No 10 as an effective team that can deliver Andy’s ambition to give Britain breathing space in the cost of living, deliver growth in every postcode and return power to communities.'
Concerns Over Radicalism
Labour insiders said Burnham is keen to provide stability after the turbulence of his Makerfield campaign and Starmer's decision to leave office. Business groups were delighted that Chandra was to remain. However, some worry the makeup of the team shows Burnham is shying away from policy radicalism. 'This is very much Continuity Keir,' said one person briefed on the moves. 'These are good, competent people. But if you expected them to pursue a radically different type of politics, you will be disappointed.'
One person close to Burnham said: 'We will have a leader at the top who is inherently political and the people he has picked are passionate about driving his vision for radical reform and change.'
Upcoming Policy Announcements
Since being elected as Makerfield MP, Burnham has had to strike a balance between offering radical change and reassuring business. The prime minister and his allies have been talking to civil servants about policy options, with a view to making announcements soon after Burnham becomes prime minister on Monday. Some likely signal radical change, such as confirmation that Burnham wants to put water companies including Thames Water into public ownership, and intends to take immediate action to reduce the cost of living. Options include full nationalisation or mutual ownership with local government and worker representation. On the cost of living, allies expect steps to reduce housing costs, potentially including a freeze on private sector rents.
But other policies may upset the left. Burnham is reported to be preparing to signal willingness to drill more for oil in the North Sea, though he intends to stick to the manifesto pledge not to issue new licences. Allowing more drilling could include granting environmental permission for the Rosebank and Jackdaw mega-fields, though final decisions will be taken on a legal basis after consultations.
