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Starmer taps Gordon Brown for top role post-election drubbing

May 9, 2026

Summary

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to resign after Labour suffered significant losses in local and regional elections, including over 1,400 English council seats. In response, Starmer has brought former Prime Minister Gordon Brown into his cabinet to advise on global finance.

How coverage differs

Left outlets portray Starmer's Brown appointment as weakened leadership amid dissent, while right outlets mock it as a desperate post-drubbing reset, citing resignation calls.

  • Left: Labour's left plots leadership challenge amid Starmer's election fallout Left-leaning outlets frame Keir Starmer's decision to bring Gordon Brown into his cabinet as a sign of his weakened leadership after Labour's significant election losses. They highlight internal party dissent, with some MPs urging Ed Miliband to consider a leadership challenge, suggesting Starmer's position is precarious.
  • Right: Starmer's desperate moves mocked as leadership crumbles after drubbing Right-leaning outlets portray Keir Starmer's appointment of Gordon Brown as a desperate, mocked effort to 'reset' his premiership after a severe election 'drubbing'. They highlight widespread calls for Starmer's resignation among Labour MPs, suggesting his government is failing.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • MPs from Labour’s left to urge Ed Miliband to consider leadership bid

Right

  • Keir Starmer brutally mocked as he hands top job to Gordon Brown in desperate effort to reset his premiership - as chorus of Labour MPs demanding he quits surges

Far right

  • Starmer Doubles Down After Election Drubbing, Taps Ex-PM Gordon Brown in Bid to Save Government

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