Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has selected former British PM Gordon Brown as his personal envoy on world financial affairs in an effort to strengthen his position as the country’s leader after suffering setbacks in local polls.
Starmer’s party, the Labor Party, recorded its biggest-ever loss in municipal elections held when it was the incumbent government since 1995, with over 1,400 seats lost. The losses have brought about criticisms from within the Labor Party with several members of parliament asking him to step down.
To restore faith, Starmer selected long-standing Labor politician Harriet Harman as his advisor on women and girls’ matters. Gordon Brown, who led the country through the global economic crisis of 2008, will help secure international investments, strengthen economic relationships with the European Union and promote defense financing projects.
In an interview conducted after the appointment announcements, Starmer conceded that his administration had committed “unnecessary mistakes,” although he reiterated that he will not resign.
“I am not going to leave,” he declared. “It is about rebuilding trust … showing people the way out of economic decline.”
Brown has enjoyed high regard within the Labour Party, having played a significant part in stabilizing the British banking system when he was prime minister from 2007 to 2010. Prior to becoming prime minister, Brown was instrumental in ushering “New Labour” under then Prime Minister Tony Blair, delivering the party three successive wins.
Frustration in the Labour ranks persists. Former cabinet minister Catherine West observed that Starmer’s administration “wasn’t cutting through,” while Labour MP Clive Betts called on the prime minister to stand down soon.
Under intense pressure, Starmer looks set to resist the call.
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