Universities secretary John Denham has succeeded Hazel Blears as communities secretary in prime minister Gordon Brown’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Elsewhere, Alan Johnson moves to the Home Office while Alistair Darling is retained as chancellor of the exchequer.
Culture secretary Andy Burnham replaces Alan Johnson as health minister and Peter Hain returns to the cabinet in his old job of Welsh Secretary.
Yvette Cooper is expected to replace Purnell as work and pensions secretary.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth will replace John Hutton as defence secretary.
