News

Burnham takes over from Purnell at DCMS

Andy Burnham, chief secretary to the Treasury, has been appointed secretary at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Burnham, 38, replaces James Purnell, who has moved to the Department of Work and Pensions following the resignation of Peter Hain.

Cambridge-educated Burnham entered Parliament in 2001. He represents Leigh, Greater Manchester.

He had previously gained expertise in the media while working as a special adviser to the former culture secretary Chris Smith. After stints as a junior minister in the Home Office and Department of Health, Burnham became chief secretary to the Treasury in June last year in Gordon Brown’s first cabinet.


Join the SJA today – click here for details and membership application form