Why has Starmer brought Brown and Harman back after disastrous election losses?

"Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference."

"Sir Keir Starmer has appointed two familiar figures as his new advisers, after promising to shake up the Labour Party in the wake of devastating electoral losses. Hours after the prime minister pledged to respond to the message voters have sent us, Sir Keir Starmer announced he had brought former prime minister Gordon Brown and former deputy party leader Harriet Harman back into government."

"Mr Brown will be the prime minister's special envoy on global finance, while Lady Harman was appointed as his adviser on women and girls. The announcement, made after the pair were seen leaving Downing Street on Saturday morning, was met with a mixed response. Political opposition dubbed the appointments a desperate move, while some Labour MPs have reportedly expressed confusion at the decision to bring them back into government."

"Gordon Brown Announcing Mr Brown's appointment, Sir Keir wrote on X: As Britain's longest-serving chancellor, Gordon is well placed to work"

The Independent describes its reporting approach as focused on separating facts from messaging across issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. It says donations fund journalists who speak to multiple sides and that reporting is accessible without paywalls. Keir Starmer appointed Gordon Brown as special envoy on global finance and Harriet Harman as adviser on women and girls. The appointments followed Starmer’s promise to shake up the Labour Party after electoral losses. Reactions were mixed, with political opposition calling the move desperate and some Labour MPs reportedly confused. The announcement came after Brown and Harman were seen leaving Downing Street.

Read at www.independent.co.uk