Ex-culture secretary James Purnell joins the National

Former culture secretary James Purnell is to join the board of the Royal National Theatre.

Mr Purnell, who quit as a Labour MP at the last general election, was himself once an amateur actor and performed as a student actor on the Edinburgh Festival fringe.

It is expected that he will lobby discreetly for the theatre at a time of reduced public spending on the arts.

John Makinson, the National's chairman, said: "James was an energetic and enlightened culture secretary who will bring a wealth of experience to the board."

Mr Purnell said: "It's a pleasure to be joining a theatre in such vibrant health."