Keir Starmer and Gordon Brown
UK reform leader Nigel Farage has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer after former Prime Minister Gordon Brown was appointed special envoy for global finance.Responding on social media, Farage said: “Starmer now views the unpopular Prime Minister who lost the general election as a savior.
“The business is doomed to failure.”
Brown returns in an advisory role
Brown has been appointed special envoy for global finance, where he will advise on international financial cooperation and support efforts related to economic security and defense investment.
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Terrorism case in London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responds after Jewish men are attacked in Barnet
Downing Street said the move aims to strengthen the UK’s global financial partnerships, and Brown is expected to work with international leaders and institutions in an unpaid, part-time role.Announcing Brown’s appointment, Starmer said: “As Britain’s longest-serving chancellor, Gordon is well placed to work with our international allies to build a stronger Britain and strengthen our country’s security and resilience.”
In response to political pressure, Starmer also appointed former deputy leader Harriet Harman as adviser on women and girls, alongside the return of Brown, as part of a wider effort to reset his government after the electoral setback.
Labor was hit hard by local election losses
The appointments come after Labor suffered heavy losses in the 2026 local elections, losing more than 1,300 council seats across England.The party lost control of key areas including Manchester, Salford, Wigan and Oldham, and also faced setbacks in Wales and Scotland.
The results sparked internal criticism and renewed scrutiny of Starmer’s leadership, even as senior ministers publicly supported him.
UK reform claims momentum after gains
Meanwhile, Reform UK was celebrating its strong gains in local elections. “This is a very big day, not just for our party but for reshaping British politics in every way,” Farage said.The party dominated councils including Essex and Sunderland, and was also successful in many traditional Labor and Conservative strongholds. Reforms described the results as a “historic shift” in British politics.
