Starmer appoints Brown and Harman as advisers after Labour election losses – fact check

Claim 1: Keir Starmer appointed Gordon Brown as a special envoy on global finance.

Evidence: Reuters reported that Starmer named former PM Gordon Brown as his envoy on global finance. The Daily Mail said No. 10 announced Brown’s new unpaid role as “Special Envoy on Global Finance”. BreakingTheNews also noted the appointment.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: All three sources agree on the appointment, giving high confidence. No contradictory reports were found.

Claim 2: Downing Street said Keir Starmer hired Harriet Harman as an adviser on tackling violence against women and girls.

Evidence: The Daily Mail states that No. 10 confirmed Harriet Harman’s appointment as an “Adviser on Women and Girls”.

Verdict: Mostly true.

Analysis: Only one independent source supports the claim; no contradictions appear, but the lack of corroboration reduces confidence.

Claim 3: Gordon Brown served as Chancellor of the Exchequer before becoming Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010 and played a leading role in the international response to the 2008 financial crisis.

Evidence: Reuters notes Brown’s tenure as Chancellor and his key role in shoring up banks during the 2008 crisis before becoming Prime Minister in 2007. The Daily Mail article references Brown’s previous positions as Chancellor and Prime Minister and his involvement in the 2008 financial‑crisis response.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: Both sources corroborate the historical facts, which are well‑established public record.

Watch for how Starmer’s new advisers influence policy on global finance and gender‑based violence in the coming months, and whether Labour MPs’ calls for a leadership change gain traction.