Starmer appoints Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman as advisers in post-election shake-up after Labour defeat
After Labour’s heavy losses within the 2026 native elections, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has turned to senior social gathering veterans to regular the state of affairs, appointing former PM Gordon Brown and ex-deputy chief Harriet Harman to key advisory roles.In a shock transfer, Gordon Brown has been appointed as particular envoy on world finance, whereas Harriet Harman has been named adviser on girls and women.“I’m delighted to nominate Harriet Harman as my Adviser on Ladies and Ladies. Harriet is a powerful advocate for girls and women and I do know she is going to ship larger alternative for girls in public life,” Starmer mentioned.
Huge setback in native polls
Labour confronted a serious defeat within the native elections, dropping over 1,300 council seats throughout England. Key areas together with Manchester, Salford, Wigan and Oldham slipped away from Labour management, whereas the social gathering additionally misplaced management of the Welsh Senedd for the primary time and carried out poorly in Scotland.The outcomes sparked criticism throughout the social gathering and elevated strain on Starmer, though senior leaders have publicly backed him.Following the appointments of Brown and Harman, Starmer posted a video on X with the caption: “Collectively, we are going to construct a stronger and fairer Britain.”
Brown returns as world finance envoy
Brown will advise the federal government on worldwide monetary cooperation and assist develop partnerships to help defence and financial safety. Brown, a former chancellor and prime minister, may also have interaction with world establishments and leaders on this unpaid, part-time position.Downing Road mentioned his expertise in the course of the monetary disaster makes him nicely suited to the job.
Harman to concentrate on girls and women
Harman will work on points affecting girls and women, together with violence in opposition to girls, job alternatives, and illustration in public life. She may also push for cultural modifications inside authorities techniques.Whereas the appointments are seen as an try to reset the federal government’s picture after the electoral setback, questions stay inside Labour over its course.Senior figures have urged focus and unity, whilst strain builds following the poor election efficiency.
