‘Continuity Keir’: Burnham keeping on many of Starmer’s No 10 advisers

Andy Burnham's incoming administration is shaping up with a strong emphasis on continuity, as many of Keir Starmer's senior advisors are set to remain in key positions within the Downing Street operation. This move aims to provide stability following a period of transition and potential turbulence.

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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. She has led large and complex organisations, delivering results and overseeing cultural change.

Several key staff appointments have been confirmed, with Jonathan Powell continuing as national security adviser, Varun Chandra as the No 10 business adviser, and Graeme Cooke stepping up to lead the policy unit. These experienced individuals are expected to oversee significant policy announcements in the coming week, focusing on critical areas such as energy, water, and the cost of living.

The new team also features new talent drawn from the private sector. James Purnell, formerly of Flint Global, will serve as chief of staff, while Hayden Munro from Arden Strategies is appointed political director. The press team will be led by Sarah Brown, an ex-aide to Sadiq Khan, with Grace Pritchard as the prime minister's spokesperson and John Stevens remaining as press secretary. Matthew McGregor joins from 38 Degrees as director of political strategy, and Alison Phillips, former editor of the Mirror, will be transition director.

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This is very much Continuity Keir. These are good, competent people. But if you expected them to pursue a radically different type of politics, you will be disappointed.

Despite the focus on stability and experienced personnel, some within the Labour party express concern that the composition of the Downing Street team indicates a reluctance to pursue the radical policy agenda Burnham has previously championed. The sentiment, as one insider put it, is "very much Continuity Keir." While acknowledging the competence of the appointed individuals, this perspective suggests that those expecting a significant departure from Starmer's political direction may be disappointed. However, allies argue that Burnham's inherently political nature, combined with his team's passion, will drive forward his ambitions for community empowerment and economic growth across all regions.

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We will have a leader at the top who is inherently political and the people he has picked are passionate about drivi