Harriet Harman, the Adviser on Women and Girls, has suggested that outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer could remain in government by taking a cabinet role under his successor, Andy Burnham. Speaking on Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harman proposed Starmer would make a 'great foreign secretary' or 'great justice secretary' despite his resignation as Labour leader and PM.
Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, stating a new leader would be in place before Parliament returns in September. Burnham, who recently won the Makerfield by-election, confirmed he would seek the leadership, making him the frontrunner to become prime minister.
Harman's controversial suggestion
Harman told host Cathy Newman: 'But I would say to Keir Starmer, you'd be a great foreign secretary, you'd be a great justice secretary for various reasons it has not worked out with you being prime minister. But if he could contribute, I think it would be good, I mean, it's a lot to ask. But I think he'd be very good.'
The suggestion sparked immediate backlash on social media, with one user on X calling it 'insane' and 'delusional.' Another critic wrote: 'The most unpopular prime minister in British history. The man who wrecked our relationship with our biggest ally, destroyed Britain’s reputation around the world, is being proposed as foreign secretary! This is how delusional these politicians are. It's actually scary. How about no! Retire. Never show your face in public life again.'
Public reaction and leadership race
Commentators described the potential transition as a 'clapped-out revolving door of failure,' with one adding: 'This is exactly why things never get better in Britain. The same out-of-touch failures keep recycling themselves while the rest of us pay the price.' Another remarked: 'Harriet Harman was a disaster under Blair and hasn't changed. These people are deluded to the point of being universally disengaged from all reality regarding the electorate.'
Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is now the runaway favourite to take over No 10. However, he may face a challenge from Darren Jones, as Starmer allies push for a public leadership race. One observer noted: 'To be honest, he [Starmer] wouldn't do it anyway and wouldn't be surprised if he stands down as an MP very soon.'
