Starmer appoints Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman as advisers in post-election shake-up after Labour defeat

After Labour’s heavy losses in the 2026 local elections, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has turned to senior party veterans to steady the situation, appointing former PM Gordon Brown and ex-deputy leader Harriet Harman to key advisory roles.In a surprise move, Gordon Brown has been appointed as special envoy on global finance, while Harriet Harman has been named adviser on women and girls.“I’m delighted to appoint Harriet Harman as my Adviser on Women and Girls. Harriet is a strong advocate for women and girls and I know she will deliver greater opportunity for women in public life,” Starmer said.Labour faced a major defeat in the local elections, losing over 1,300 council seats across England. Key areas including Manchester, Salford, Wigan and Oldham slipped away from Labour control, while the party also lost control of the Welsh Senedd for the first time and performed poorly in Scotland.The results sparked criticism within the party and increased pressure on Starmer, although senior leaders have publicly backed him.Following the appointments of Brown and Harman, Starmer posted a video on X with the caption: “Together, we will build a stronger and fairer Britain.”Brown will advise the government on international financial cooperation and help develop partnerships to support defence and economic security. Brown, a former chancellor and prime minister, will also engage with global institutions and leaders in this unpaid, part-time role.Downing Street said his experience during the financial crisis makes him well suited to the job.Harman will work on issues affecting women and girls, including violence against women, job opportunities, and representation in public life. She will also push for cultural changes within government systems.While the appointments are seen as an attempt to reset the government’s image after the electoral setback, questions remain inside Labour over its direction.Senior figures have urged focus and unity, even as pressure builds following the poor election performance.