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James Purnell MP
James Purnell MP

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MP's apology after confidential papers blunder

Adam Derbyshire
3/11/2008

CABINET minister James Purnell has apologised after leaving confidential papers on a train.

Mr Purnell - who is MP for Stalybridge and Hyde - lost the documents from his 'red box' during a journey from Macclesfield to London Euston.

They included a letter from Gorton MP Gerald Kaufman about one of his constituents, plus correspondence relating to the case.

The documents were returned three days later after being picked up by a fellow passenger. Mr Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, has apologised for the 'mistake'.

The prime minister added that Mr Purnell would be "as concerned as me that rules for the future ensure that these things cannot happen."

A spokeswoman for Mr Purnell said: "This was one letter from an MP with the attached correspondence and was returned safely within three days. Obviously, James is very sorry for the mistake."


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Most recent 2 of 4 user comments

   where were his aides?
gladys rowbotham, Manchester
6/11/2008 at 17:49
   Not exactly worthy of someone paid to be upstanding,articulate,precise and accountable is it, with Phantom Photographs,terrible judgement and employment of Constituency Aids requiring constant sackings,gross negligence with Government Documents on a train and then spouting "sorry for my mistake" this is not simply a mistake its downright total incompetance for which he is highly paid plus inumerable perks. Only 3 weeks ago a Government employee was sacked for mislaying Government data,and here we have a jobs for the top boys protection regime whatever their inabilities and complete failures.
J.Hall, Tameside
4/11/2008 at 20:59
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