Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has selected former Labour Cabinet minister James Purnell as his Chief of Staff.
The appointment was reported by the BBC ahead of Burnham taking office on Monday.
Purnell's return to government leadership comes after years away from Westminster.
He previously served as a local councillor in Islington and as a special advisor before being elected as the Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde in 2001.
Purnell later rose to minister under Gordon Brown.
His political career stalled in 2009 following a cabinet resignation during an unsuccessful move against Brown.
After leaving Parliament, Purnell held senior positions at the BBC, the University of the Arts London, and a corporate advisory firm.
Burnham and Purnell share a long personal history as former flatmates and football partners.
Their new political partnership begins officially when the new administration takes control of the government next week.
