Burnham’s chief of staff pick led firm that advised BP, Apple and Amazon
7 reported
Andy Burnham's incoming chief of staff, James Purnell, previously led Flint Global, an advisory firm whose clients included BP, Amazon, Jaguar Land Rover, Uber, Google, Microsoft, Glencore, Apple, Thames Water, and some of the utility's bondholders, according to transparency records. Purnell, a former cabinet minister and longstanding friend of Burnham, was most recently chief executive of Flint Global, which is a registered lobbyist. The company does not publish a list of clients but has entries showing contact with government ministers or officials on behalf of companies. Purnell held shares in the firm, which is owned through a holding company based in Jersey and majority owned by private equity firm Cinven. A Burnham team spokesperson stated that Purnell has left Flint, will have no ongoing financial interest in the company, and that any future conflicts of interest would be managed. The appointment has caused unease within Labour, with some supporters on the left expressing concern, while others welcomed it as a sign Burnham will not turn away from business.
What’s reported
James Purnell, Andy Burnham's incoming chief of staff, was most recently chief executive of Flint Global.
Flint Global's clients included BP, Amazon, Jaguar Land Rover, Uber, Google, Microsoft, Glencore, Apple, Thames Water, and some of Thames Water's bondholders.
Apple appeared to be Flint's biggest client in Europe, paying more than €1m in the last year for which data is available.
Purnell held shares in Flint Global, which is owned through a holding company based in Jersey and majority owned by private equity firm Cinven.
A Burnham team spokesperson said Purnell has left Flint, has no ongoing financial interest, and any future conflicts will be managed.
Burnham has said Thames Water should be nationalised and public ownership of water companies is "absolutely an option."
The appointment has caused unease within Labour, with some supporters on the left expressing concern, while others welcomed it.
Key figures
Andy Burnham
James Purnell
Zack Polanski (Green party leader in England and Wales)
Josh Simons (Labour Together, expected to have a senior role)
Sources: The Guardian
