James Purnell is a long-time friend of Andy Burnham.

James Purnell and Andy Burnham worked together when Tony Blair was in power.

They played football together and rose through the ranks of the Labour Party.

The football team was named after a poster from the 1997 election. James Purnell and Andy Burnham entered Parliament together and shared an office.

Andy Burnham and James Purnell both worked in Gordon Brown's Cabinet.

James Purnell became a government whip and later a secretary. Andy Burnham succeeded him as Culture Secretary.

James Purnell left the Cabinet and asked Gordon Brown to step down. He said Brown's leadership could help the Conservatives win.

A year later, James Purnell left Parliament and said he didn't want to spend his life in politics.

Andy Burnham is with James Purnell and Harriet Harman after a Cabinet meeting.

After 16 years, James Purnell may return to politics as Andy Burnham's right-hand man if Burnham becomes Prime Minister.

The chief-of-staff role has been held by different people, including Morgan McSweeney and Dominic Cummings.

The chief-of-staff has a lot of power and influence, but can also face criticism from MPs.

A former journalist says James Purnell is a great choice and shows Andy Burnham is serious about reform.

In Andy Burnham's book, James Purnell is described as a clear thinker.

This will be important in one of the most demanding jobs in government.