In the wake of Labour’s disappointing performance in recent local elections, Keir Starmer has appointed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and veteran politician Harriet Harman as advisers. This strategic move aims to bolster Starmer’s leadership as he faces increasing calls for his resignation. Brown will focus on advising the party on global finance, while Harman will tackle social issues affecting women and girls.
Labour’s Disheartening Election Results
Labour has experienced a significant setback, losing over 1,400 council seats across England in the recent elections. This marks a troubling trend, as the party not only suffered losses to the Reform UK party but also saw a gain in support for the Greens in its traditional strongholds. The situation in Wales is particularly stark, with Labour losing its governing power for the first time, dropping to just nine Senedd seats, trailing behind both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. Furthermore, Labour’s fortunes in the Scottish Parliament have also declined, compounding the party’s woes.
Starmer’s leadership is under intense scrutiny, with various Labour MPs urging him to consider a leadership transition. Clive Betts and Debbie Abrahams have both publicly suggested that a timeline for his departure should be established. Abrahams, representing Oldham East and Saddleworth, expressed her concerns about the current trajectory, stating, “It doesn’t look good,” while advocating for Starmer to prioritise the country in his decision-making.
The Strategic Appointments of Brown and Harman
Amidst this political turmoil, Starmer is attempting to stabilise his leadership by surrounding himself with influential figures. Gordon Brown, who served as Chancellor under Tony Blair, has been appointed as Starmer’s envoy for global finance. In this role, he will focus on establishing financial partnerships, particularly aimed at enhancing defence-related investments with European allies. This appointment is not merely functional; it carries significant symbolic weight, showcasing Starmer’s intent to unify the party under experienced leadership.
Conversely, Harriet Harman, who previously served as Labour’s deputy leader under Brown, will advise on women’s issues. Her role will centre on combatting violence against women and girls and improving economic opportunities for this demographic. While both positions are part-time and unpaid, their establishment signals a commitment to addressing pressing social issues within the party’s agenda.
Mixed Reactions Within the Party
Despite these appointments, uncertainty looms over Starmer’s future as Labour leader. Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the party, defended Starmer, urging colleagues to refrain from indulging in continuous speculation regarding his leadership. Powell suggested that creating a timeline for Starmer’s potential exit would only ignite distractions within the party, stating, “We don’t do hospital takeovers in the Labour party.”
There remains a divide within the party, with some members advocating for a fresh leadership approach. Tony Vaughan, Labour MP for Folkestone, highlighted the need for an orderly transition before the next local elections, implying that maintaining the status quo may not be in the party’s best interest.
Starmer’s Upcoming Relaunch
Starmer is expected to attempt a relaunch of his leadership with a forthcoming speech that will advocate for closer ties with the European Union. Brown’s appointment aligns with this initiative, as he is tasked with forging international finance partnerships that can bolster defence and security investments. A statement from Downing Street indicated that Harman would work with ministers to drive a comprehensive agenda focused on women’s issues, including tackling violence and enhancing representation.
Why it Matters
The political landscape for Labour is shifting dramatically, and the appointments of Brown and Harman could serve as a pivotal moment for the party’s recovery. By harnessing the expertise of seasoned politicians, Starmer may be able to recalibrate Labour’s strategy and restore confidence among its members and voters. The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen, but the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these efforts can indeed reverse Labour’s recent electoral decline and unify the party moving forward.
