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

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

Briefly

"Sir Keir Starmer has appointed former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a special envoy on global finance, as he attempts to shore up his position after his party suffered heavy election losses. Downing Street said the prime minister had also hired former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman as an adviser on tackling violence against women and girls. Brown and Harman, two influential and respected figures in the party, met Sir Keir in Downing Street before their roles were announced."

"The prime minister's authority is tottering after Friday's dire election results piled pressure on him, with some Labour MPs calling for him to set a timetable for his departure. Sir Keir has insisted he would not "walk away and plunge the country into chaos", and members of his cabinet have rallied around him. The prime minister is planning an attempt to reset his premiership next week by delivering a major speech and unveiling a new programme of legislation."

"Downing Street said Sir Keir had "committed to boosting the country's security and resilience" and in his role, Brown "will advise on how global finance cooperation can help to achieve this". Baroness Harman was leader of the House of Commons during Brown's tenure as prime minister, and Labour deputy leader from 2007 to 2015."

"Downing Street said Baroness Harman will "advise the PM on how to galvanise government to deliver for women and girls". "The role will see her draw on work with women across Parliament to identify action needed to tackle misogyny and deliver greater opportunity for women in parliamentary and public life," No 10 said."