Full Breakdown
Harriet Harman Appointed Prime Minister’s Adviser on Women and Girls
5/9/2026, 8:34:58 PM
Appointment Overview
On 9 May 2026, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced Baroness Harriet Harman as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Women and Girls, an unpaid part-time role reporting directly to the Prime Minister and coordinating with the Cabinet Secretary and Civil Service.
Context and Rationale
The move follows Labour’s recent losses in Wales, Scotland and English council elections, prompting a “future-looking” agenda. It aligns with the government’s declaration that violence against women and girls is a national emergency and the launch of a strategy to halve such crimes within ten years.
Mandate and Duties
Harman will drive action to curb violence, expand economic opportunities, and improve representation in Parliament and public life. Her background includes serving as former deputy Labour leader, former Solicitor General, and championing the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act, which created 60 specialist courts.
Official Statements
The government said the role is a step to “eradicate structural misogyny and achieve a cultural change.” Starmer said he wants “women to have the opportunities that they deserve” and called Harman “the absolutely right person” to lead. The Prime Minister’s office added that the adviser will work with the Cabinet and the head of the Civil Service to embed these priorities.
Criticism
Analysts argue the appointments may be a political move to restore Labour’s standing after electoral setbacks, noting reliance on “blasts from the past” and questioning whether fresh talent is being sidelined.
Key Data
The Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act created 60 specialist courts; the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy targets a 50 % cut in violent crimes against women and girls by 2036; the adviser role is unpaid and part-time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to be able to tackle misogyny, I’ve made commitments on this and Harriet working with the team is the absolutely right person to do that.” — Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- “So it’s very future-looking, because this is about making sure that every woman has the opportunities that she deserves.” — Sir Keir Starmer
- “The PM committed to do more to eradicate structural misogyny and achieve a cultural change. This appointment will help to accelerate progress.” — Government statement on Harriet Harman’s appointment
- “ Together, we will build a stronger and fairer Britain.” — Sir Keir Starmer
Future Outlook
Harman will oversee the rollout of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and report progress to the Prime Minister. Monitoring mechanisms and periodic reviews aim to meet the ten-year crime-reduction target, while the UK’s upcoming G20 presidency could provide an international platform for the agenda.
