Starmer Appoints Brown and Harman as Advisers After Labour's Local Election Losses

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown as special envoy on global finance and Harriet Harman as adviser on women and girls, following Labour's heavy defeat in the 2026 local elections across England, Wales, and Scotland. The appointments come after the party lost over 1,300 council seats and control of key areas including Manchester, Salford, Wigan, Oldham, and the Welsh Senedd.

Gordon Brown will advise on international financial cooperation, economic security, and engagement with global institutions in an unpaid, part-time capacity. Downing Street cited his leadership during the 2008 financial crisis as relevant to the role. Harriet Harman will focus on policies addressing violence against women, gender representation in public life, and improving job opportunities for women, while advocating for systemic cultural change within government.

The appointments signal an effort by Starmer to reassert leadership and restore confidence in the government after internal party criticism intensified. While senior Labour figures have publicly backed Starmer, concerns persist over the party's strategic direction. Starmer released a video message pledging to 'build a stronger and fairer Britain,' as the government prepares for upcoming parliamentary sessions and policy reviews.