Burnham Becomes U.K. Culture Secretary

Andy Burnham is Britain's new culture secretary.

Burnham, chief secretary to the Treasury, becomes secretary of state for culture, media and sport after a reshuffle which sees incumbent James Purnell take up the role as pensions secretary.

Purnell succeeded Tessa Jowell as culture secretary in June 2007, a role which has close dealings with the music and media sectors. Prior to that, he was minister for pensions reform.

A former special adviser on culture, media and sport to then prime minister Tony Blair, Purnell had earlier served for a stint as parliamentary under-secretary of state at the DCMS.