Keir Starmer appoints former Gordon Brown aide to improve UK-EU relations

Keir Starmer has appointed Michael Ellam, a former aide to Gordon Brown, to a new role focused on EU and international economic affairs in the Cabinet Office. This move aims to improve UK-EU relations post-Brexit. Ellam will lead the Cabinet Office's EU relations secretariat and manage dialogues with the EU and global discussions like the G7 and G20. He previously worked in the private sector, most recently as public sector banking chief at HSBC. The appointment is part of the government's strategy to strengthen economic and security ties with Europe. Ellam's experience in international finance is expected to support efforts to enhance trade and address shared challenges.