Early Life
Born in the City of London, he received most of his education in France before returning to study for his A Levels at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford and then taking a first in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford.
As a student he worked in the summer holidays as a researcher to Tony Blair from 1989 to 1992. After graduating he worked as a research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research before moving to the BBC to become Head of Corporate Planning. In 1997 Purnell returned to work as a special adviser at Number 10 until 2001. He also served as a board member of the Young Vic theatre.
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