Andy Burnham's reported decision to select James Purnell as his chief of staff has sparked debate about the future direction of the Labour Party and its reliance on veteran politicians from the New Labour era. But what is perhaps less well-known is that this move would also reunite two former Labour ministers who were once teammates in a high-profile informal football team.
The 'Demon Eyes' team, founded in 1998 by a group of New Labour advisers, was a unique phenomenon that played its home matches in north London. Its initial line-up included figures such as Purnell, Tim Allan (who later served as Keir Starmer's director of communications), David Miliband, and Ed Balls – all of whom would go on to achieve prominent ministerial positions within government.
Both Burnham and Purnell were central figures in the team. According to Patrick Hennessy, a former Labour adviser and captain of a rival team of political journalists, "Burnham was a technically good player, a fast attacker with good finishing," while Purnell was a "decent centre-back – he wasn't the most physical, but he was very, very dogged." The team's strong will to win was legendary, with Hennessy stating that you "knew when you were playing against them it was going to be a hard match – they were determined to win."
The potential reunification of these figures at the heart of a future government raises questions about the influence of individuals who first propelled Labour to power in 1997. While many former players have since transitioned to careers outside Westminster, this move suggests a reliance on a familiar network from a pivotal period in the party's history – and critics argue that this might indicate a challenge within the Labour Party in cultivating and promoting new talent to top-level positions.
Burnham and Purnell have both had distinguished careers in politics, holding senior ministerial office under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Burnham served as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and later as Secretary of State for Health, while Purnell held roles including Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Purnell later left Westminster politics for a high-level position at the BBC.
This development comes as Labour, under Keir Starmer, prepares for a potential general election – and highlights a particular strand of Labour's modern history that may shape its future prospects in government.