Keir Starmer and Gordon Brown
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the appointment of former PM Gordon Brown as a special envoy on global finance.Reacting on social media, Farage said: “An unpopular Prime Minister who lost a general election is now seen by Starmer as being the saviour. Labour are doomed.”
Brown returns in advisory role
Brown has been appointed as special envoy on global finance, where he will advise on international financial cooperation and support efforts linked to economic security and defence investment.
Downing Street said the move is aimed at strengthening the UK’s global financial partnerships, with Brown expected to work with international leaders and institutions in a part-time, unpaid 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 boost our country’s security and resilience.”In response to the political pressure, Starmer has also appointed former deputy leader Harriet Harman as adviser on women and girls, alongside Brown’s return, as part of a broader effort to reset his government after the election setback.
Labour hit hard by local election losses
The appointments come after Labour suffered heavy losses in the 2026 local elections, losing more than 1,300 council seats across England.The party lost control in 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 backed him.
Reform UK claims momentum after gains
At the same time, Reform UK has been celebrating strong gains in the local elections. “It’s a big, big day, not just for our party but for a complete reshaping of British politics in every way,” Farage said.The party took control of councils including Essex and Sunderland, and also made inroads in several traditional Labour and Conservative strongholds. Reform has described the results as a “historic shift” in British politics.