World Jun 24, 2026 · 1 min read

Back on the pitch: How Burnham’s chief of staff pick reunites late-1990s Labour football team

Some worry choosing James Purnell, former Demon Eyes teammate, would show Labour struggling for new talentThe most powerful football team in the country is getting back together.Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint James Purnell as his chief of staff should he become prime minister will reunite not on...

The Guardian

by Kiran Stacey Policy editor

Back on the pitch: How Burnham’s chief of staff pick reunites late-1990s Labour football team

Some worry choosing James Purnell, former Demon Eyes teammate, would show Labour struggling for new talent

The most powerful football team in the country is getting back together.

Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint James Purnell as his chief of staff should he become prime minister will reunite not only two old friends and former Labour ministers but two of the linchpins of the famous Demon Eyes team set up in the late 1990s.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Kiran Stacey Policy editor.

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Back on the pitch: How Burnham’s chief of staff pick reunites late-1990s Labour football team

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