The Adviser on Women and Girls said Keir Starmer would be a ‘great foreign secretary’.
Keir Starmer announced he will step down as prime minister and Labour leader (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer could be given a job to remain in the cabinet office if Labour’s newest MP is set to replace him as prime minister next month. Starmer announced yesterday he will resign as Labour leader and PM and said a new leader will be in place before parliament returns in September.
Following a triumphant return to Westminster yesterday after the former Mayor of Manchester swept to the Makerfield by-election win, Andy Burnham confirmed he would go for Sir Keir Starmer’s job.
Harriet Harman, Starmer’s Adviser on Women and Girls, spoke on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast that Starmer could still have a role in Andy Burnham’s cabinet but it would be “incredibly difficult” after being PM. Her opinion sparked debate online and social media users branded her “insane” and “delusional”.
Harriet Harman suggested Keir Starmer could stay for a cabinet role (Image: Sky News)
She told podcast 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.”
One viewer blasted on social media platform X and criticised Harman’s comment, saying: “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 politicans are. It’s actually scary. How about no! Retire. Never show your face in public life again.”
The user continued to describe the transition of government roles as a “clapped-out revolving door of failure”. They added: “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 person commented: “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.”
A third said: “To be honest, he [Keir Starmer] wouldn’t do it anyway and wouldn’t be surprised if he stands down as an MP very soon.”
Andy Burnham is now the runaway favourite to seize the keys to No 10. The former Greater Manchester Mayor may now face a challenge from Darren Jones, as Starmer allies seek to force a public race for the leadership.
