PM turns to old Labour hands after election losses but some MPs left baffled

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has engaged the experience of former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy focusing on global finance, following significant electoral setbacks for the party.

Downing Street has also announced the appointment of former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman as an adviser dedicated to addressing violence against women and girls.

Both Brown and Harman, who are prominent and respected figures within the Labour Party, met with Sir Keir at Downing Street prior to the official announcements regarding their roles.

The prime minister's leadership appears to be under increasing strain as the fallout from Friday's disappointing election results has escalated pressure on him, leading some Labour MPs to advocate for him to establish a timeline for his resignation.

However, Sir Keir has emphasized his commitment to remain in office, stating he would not "walk away and plunge the country into chaos." Members of his cabinet have expressed their support for him during this challenging period.

In an effort to rejuvenate his leadership, the prime minister is expected to deliver a significant address next week, alongside unveiling a new legislative agenda.

The appointments of Brown and Baroness Harman reflect Sir Keir's intent to revitalize his government.

Gordon Brown's Role

Gordon Brown, who previously held the role of Chancellor before his premiership from 2007 to 2010, played a pivotal part in the global response to the financial crisis of 2008.

According to Downing Street, Sir Keir has "committed to boosting the country's security and resilience," and Brown will provide guidance on how international financial cooperation can contribute to these objectives.

Harriet Harman's Role

Baroness Harman served as the leader of the House of Commons during Brown's tenure as prime minister and held the position of Labour deputy leader from 2007 to 2015.

In her advisory capacity, Baroness Harman is expected to "advise the PM on how to galvanize government action to benefit women and girls." Her responsibilities will include collaborating with women across Parliament to identify necessary measures to combat misogyny and promote greater opportunities for women in both parliamentary and public spheres, as stated by No. 10.

MPs Express Confusion

The appointments of two veteran Labour figures have perplexed numerous party members, including ministers, MPs, and officials.

While both Brown and Harman hold a level of respect among Labour members, their selection has sparked questions about how drawing from Labour's history aligns with the changes that the prime minister has proposed.

A typically loyal minister remarked to the BBC, "It's a joke. There is no question to which bringing these two back is the answer."

A Labour MP noted, "It’s unclear if voters in Wigan, Wandsworth, Salford, or Sunderland supported Reform because they believed we required more advisers from a bygone era of Labour politics. This indicates that Keir lacks an understanding of the problem, let alone a solution."

Additionally, a former Labour adviser questioned, "Is his strategy to address the perception that he has no ideas simply to double down on this and bring in a host of others to generate ideas?"

Mounting Pressure on Starmer

The discontent regarding the recent election outcomes is becoming increasingly vocal, with as many as 30 Labour MPs publicly suggesting that Sir Keir should resign or outline a procedure for a smooth leadership transition.

Labour MP Clive Betts told the BBC that Sir Keir should "step down" in the "not too distant future" for the benefit of both the country and the government.

The MP for Sheffield South East shared that constituents expressed their willingness to support Labour, having historically done so, but indicated they would refrain from voting for the party under Sir Keir's leadership.

Betts argued that the public has "made their mind up" and expressed skepticism regarding whether "rebooting and refreshing" would alter their perception, stating that "by and large, they have stopped listening to Keir."

Debbie Abrahams, the Labour MP representing Oldham East and Saddleworth, conjectured that Sir Keir would soon step down as prime minister, suggesting it would be a matter of months.

"He has asserted that he would prioritize the country above all else, and we must acknowledge the perilous situation we face now," Abrahams remarked. "On this trajectory, it does not look encouraging."

Show of Support

Conversely, Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell is among those advocating for Sir Keir to remain in his position at Downing Street.

"I want him to continue as leader," Powell asserted. She emphasized the need for the party to "reflect, to hear, to listen," warning that if Labour fails to "improve and start doing better," the possibility of seeing Nigel Farage walk up Downing Street in three years becomes a reality.

However, she argued that it would be "ludicrous for us as a government to turn in on ourselves" and initiate discussions regarding leadership at this juncture.