Ok, so it seems like you CoffeeHousers generally don’t agree with our appraisal of James Purnell (exemplified by Fraser’s article “Meet James Purnell: the best hope Labour has of avoiding disaster”). But what does the Tory party think of the work and pensions secretary? Here’s a hefty quote from Tara Hamilton-Miller’s excellent article in the New Statesman today, outlining just that:
“Back in the office, Tories have been checking out James Purnell, the new young buck many suggest could be the saviour of Brown’s crumbling party. The Central Office staff don’t get it. Says one Tory aide: “He’s a boy. I’m not convinced his own party buy him. Surely this is a case of hype from a desperate left, bandying about names of possible successors?” There are apparently those in the government who are hoping that Purnell will lead them. And there are those in the Tory party hoping Purnell will assist them.
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