In a strategic move designed to bolster his leadership, Keir Starmer has appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and veteran politician Harriet Harman as advisers following Labour’s significant losses in recent local elections. This initiative aims to quell mounting calls for his resignation after the party’s dismal performance, which saw it lose over 1,400 council seats across England and cede power in Wales for the first time.
A Bid for Stability
Starmer’s organisational shake-up comes in the wake of a disastrous electoral outcome, where Labour faced substantial losses not only in traditional strongholds but also in emerging battlegrounds. Brown, who served as Chancellor under Tony Blair, has been named Starmer’s envoy on global finance, tasked with forging financial partnerships, particularly in defence-related investments with European allies. His extensive experience in economic policy is expected to lend credibility to Starmer’s government, particularly as it navigates turbulent political waters.
Harman, who has a long history within Labour, will focus her efforts on advancing the rights and opportunities for women and girls, addressing issues of violence and economic disparity. Though both roles are part-time and unpaid, their appointments signal a deliberate attempt by Starmer to surround himself with seasoned leaders as he grapples with the fallout from the elections.
Electoral Fallout
The recent local elections were a stark wake-up call for Labour. The party’s losses were not confined to England, where it shed councillors to both the Green Party and Reform UK, but extended to Wales, where Labour’s grip on power has been significantly weakened. Now reduced to just nine seats in the Senedd, Labour finds itself trailing behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, a development that has sent shockwaves through the party’s ranks.
With the dust still settling from the electoral defeats, calls for Starmer to step aside have intensified. Senior Labour figures, such as Clive Betts and Debbie Abrahams, have publicly urged a clear timeline for leadership transition. Abrahams has gone so far as to suggest that Starmer should consider resigning within months, underscoring the urgency of the situation. “We have to recognise the dangers that we’re in now,” she told the BBC, highlighting the pressing threat posed by Reform UK.
Divided Opinions Within Labour
Despite the dissenting voices, Starmer has found defenders within Labour. Lucy Powell, the party’s deputy leader, has argued against the notion that a leadership change would resolve the party’s issues. She warned that setting a timetable for transition could trigger a protracted debate about leadership, detracting from the party’s focus. “We don’t do hospital takeovers in the Labour party,” she asserted, aiming to quell speculation about potential challengers to Starmer’s leadership.
As Starmer prepares to relaunch his premiership with an address on closer ties with the EU, the roles of Brown and Harman are expected to play a pivotal part. A Downing Street statement indicated that Brown’s expertise would be crucial in establishing international financial partnerships that underpin the UK’s defence and security investments in collaboration with Europe.
Renewed Focus on Women and Girls
Harman’s appointment is particularly significant as it reflects Labour’s commitment to addressing social inequities. Her advisory role will involve coordinating with ministers to enact policies that improve the lives of women and girls, tackling issues such as violence and economic opportunity. This move could be seen as an attempt to revive Labour’s image as a champion of social justice and inclusivity, particularly in light of recent electoral failures.
Why it Matters
The stakes for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party could not be higher. With the party facing an existential crisis following its electoral defeats, the appointments of Brown and Harman represent both a tactical response to internal dissent and an effort to restore public confidence in Labour’s leadership. As the political landscape continues to shift, the effectiveness of this new advisory team will be closely scrutinised, not only for its impact on Starmer’s survival as leader but also on the party’s ability to reclaim lost ground in upcoming elections. In a time of increased political volatility, the decisions made now will resonate far beyond the corridors of power.