Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from Labour MPs, with some publicly urging him to set a timetable for stepping down as leader and others voicing similar concerns privately. Following disappointing election results, he seeks to stabilize his position by appointing two prominent party veterans: former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman.
Gordon Brown’s Role in Economic Revival
Gordon Brown, widely respected for his tenure as Chancellor of the Exchequer, takes on the position of special envoy for global finance. This move addresses ongoing challenges in Labour’s economic strategy under Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The government’s pledge to prioritize economic growth has yet to deliver substantial results, prompting this high-profile intervention.
Brown’s appointment draws parallels to Rishi Sunak’s 2023 decision to name Lord David Cameron as Foreign Secretary during a period of political difficulty. Despite criticisms of certain diplomatic picks, such as Lord Mandelson’s role as US ambassador, Brown enjoys broad admiration within the party, even after the 2010 election loss.
Harriet Harman’s Focus on Women and Girls
Baroness Harriet Harman, known as the ‘mother of the House of Commons,’ assumes the role of adviser on women and girls. This targets persistent issues around violence against women and girls (VAWG), an area where Starmer has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding responses to grooming gangs and associations linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer’s background as Director of Public Prosecutions underscores his prior commitment to VAWG, yet recent political missteps have undermined public confidence in his approach.
Implications for Cabinet and Future Moves
These appointments highlight perceived shortcomings in the current Labour cabinet, suggesting a reliance on experienced figures from the party’s past. They serve as an alternative to a anticipated reshuffle, potentially following Starmer’s upcoming speech.
Many Labour MPs doubt Starmer’s capacity for bold changes, such as replacing the Chancellor or Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Efforts to reintegrate former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner could also aim to neutralize internal challenges. For now, the prestige of Brown and Harman may help deter any immediate leadership contest.
