Starmer Appoints Brown and Harman as Labour Faces Election Fallout 2026

In the wake of devastating local election losses, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed former Labour leaders Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman to new advisory roles. The move comes as internal pressure mounts for Starmer to resign, with several Labour MPs publicly questioning his leadership. The prime minister insists he will not walk away, but the political landscape is shifting rapidly.

Starmer’s Response to the Electoral Mauling

Speaking to the BBC, Starmer acknowledged the party’s poor performance but ruled out stepping down. “I’m not going to walk away from this, that would plunge the country into chaos,” he said. He promised to “rebuild” and “set out the path ahead” in the coming days, signaling a potential policy reset.

However, the Labour Party lost control of key councils, including Norwich City Council to the Green Party. In South West Norfolk, MP Terry Jermy called for Starmer to “consider whether he is the right person to take the party forward.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Norwich South MP Clive Lewis, who warned that “greater damage” could result from Starmer remaining in charge.

Internal Rebellion and Calls for a Timetable

Clive Lewis issued a stark warning: “The prime minister has reached the point where the question is no longer whether he can recover. It is whether, by staying on, he does lasting damage to Labour’s ability to govern.” He urged a “timetable for his departure,” arguing that delay would harm both the party and the country.

These internal divisions are unprecedented for a Labour government still in its early years. The local election results are being interpreted as a rejection of Starmer’s leadership and the pace of change. Critics argue that the party has failed to deliver on key promises, including economic recovery and public service improvements.

Brown and Harman: A Strategic Reset?

By bringing in Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman, Starmer appears to be leaning on experienced figures to stabilise the party. Brown, who served as prime minister from 2007 to 2010, is known for his economic expertise. Harman, a former deputy leader, brings institutional knowledge and a reputation for party unity.

Their roles are expected to focus on policy development and internal communication. However, critics question whether these appointments are enough to reverse the party’s fortunes. A senior Labour source told the Guardian that “a reshuffle alone won’t fix the deep-seated trust issues with voters.”

Scottish Independence and Coalition Dynamics

The election results also reshaped the Scottish political landscape. The Scottish National Party (SNP) failed to secure a majority at Holyrood, weakening its mandate for a second independence referendum. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey argued that the SNP “went backwards in vote share” and therefore has “no mandate” for another vote.

In contrast, Green co-leader Ross Greer claimed that pro-independence parties now have a joint “mandate to deliver” a second referendum, citing the highest-ever number of independence-supporting MSPs (73). This sets the stage for a tense parliamentary term in Scotland, with the economy and public services competing for attention.

What This Means for UK Politics

The Labour Party now faces an existential crisis. With the Reform UK party gaining ground and the Liberal Democrats making strategic gains, the next general election is wide open. Starmer’s ability to regain voter trust will depend on concrete policy shifts and a clear vision for the future.

Political analysts suggest that the coming weeks will be critical. If Starmer cannot stem the tide of internal dissent, a leadership challenge may become inevitable. For now, the appointment of Brown and Harman buys time, but the underlying problems remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Keir Starmer appoint Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman?

Starmer appointed Brown and Harman to leverage their experience and help stabilise the Labour Party after severe local election losses. Brown brings economic expertise, while Harman offers institutional knowledge and party unity skills.

What were the key results of the 2026 local elections for Labour?

Labour lost control of several councils, including Norwich City Council to the Green Party. Many Labour MPs lost their seats or saw significantly reduced vote shares, leading to internal calls for Starmer’s resignation.

Does the SNP have a mandate for a second Scottish independence referendum?

The SNP failed to win a majority at Holyrood. Liberal Democrats argue this means no mandate, while the Scottish Greens claim that combined pro-independence MSPs (73) provide a joint mandate for a second vote.