Story perspectives

Labour Falls to Third, Starmer Adds Brown, Harman

5/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

After Labour lost 1,100 council seats on May 7, falling to third behind Reform UK and the Greens, Prime Minister Keir Starmer added former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and deputy leader Harriet Harman to his advisory team.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Unite leader Sharon Graham backed Starmer, warned against a chaotic internal contest, noting the results show a disconnect between government and working people.

History

Historical Context

After the 2010 general election, Labour’s 91-seat defeat triggered Gordon Brown’s resignation, a Blair-Harman advisory panel, and Ed Miliband’s leadership. The party’s 2024 setback—losing about 1,100 council seats on 7 May—saw Prime Minister Keir Starmer revive that 2010 playbook by appointing Brown and Harman to steer Labour’s recovery. The 2010 hung parliament led to the first Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, underscoring the impact of counsel on party direction.

1 of 2

Story summary

After Labour lost 1,100 council seats on May 7, falling to third behind Reform UK and the Greens, Prime Minister Keir Starmer added former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and deputy leader Harriet Harman to his advisory team.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Unite leader Sharon Graham backed Starmer, warned against a chaotic internal contest, noting the results show a disconnect between government and working people.

1 / 2