By Habeeb Ibrahim
Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has recently become the UK’s Prime Minister following a decisive victory in the 2024 general election.
This marks a significant shift in British politics, ending fourteen years of Conservative rule. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the man now at the helm of the UK government.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 2, 1962, in Southwark, London, Keir Starmer was named after Labour Party founder Keir Hardie. He grew up in Oxted, Surrey, and attended Reigate Grammar School. Starmer then studied law at the University of Leeds and completed his postgraduate studies at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.
Legal Career
Starmer had a distinguished career as a barrister, specializing in human rights law. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 2002. His work took him across the globe, challenging the death penalty in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and the Caribbean, earning him the Bar Council’s Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award in 2005 for his pro bono contributions.
In 2008, Starmer became the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Head of the Crown Prosecution Service, roles he held until 2013. His tenure was marked by efforts to reform the prosecution service and improve its accountability.
Political Career
Starmer entered politics and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015. He quickly rose through the Labour Party ranks, becoming the Shadow Brexit Secretary in 2016. In this role, he advocated for a “fundamental rethink” of immigration rules and supported a proposed second referendum on Brexit.
In 2020, Starmer was elected leader of the Labour Party. Under his leadership, Labour navigated through several challenges, including internal party divisions and shifting public opinion on Brexit and immigration.
Brexit and Immigration
Starmer’s stance on Brexit evolved over time. Initially, he supported reducing immigration after the UK left the EU by ensuring that the country developed its own skills. He believed that while free movement had to end, it was crucial to allow EU citizens to migrate to the UK with job offers, recognizing the importance of immigration for the economy.
Leadership Challenges
Starmer faced significant challenges within his party. In November 2023, 56 Labour MPs, including ten frontbenchers, defied a party whip to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza, leading to a major rebellion. Starmer initially resisted calls for a ceasefire but later supported a “sustainable ceasefire” and a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Shadow Cabinet and Policy
Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet included prominent figures from various wings of the Labour Party. Notable appointments included Angela Rayner as deputy leader and shadow deputy prime minister, Rachel Reeves as shadow chancellor, and Yvette Cooper as shadow home secretary. A final reshuffle in September 2023 was seen as aligning more with Blairite perspectives.
Local Elections and Opinion Polling
Under Starmer, Labour made significant gains in local elections, becoming the largest party in local government in 2023 for the first time since 2002. The party also achieved a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, drawing comparisons to Tony Blair’s 1997 victory.
Personal Life
Starmer married Victoria Alexander, a former solicitor and occupational health worker, in 2007. The couple has two children, who are being raised in the Jewish faith. Starmer is a pescatarian, and his wife is a vegetarian. He is also an atheist but acknowledges the unifying power of faith. The family occasionally attends a liberal synagogue.
Interests And Honors
Starmer is a keen footballer and supports Premier League side Arsenal. His legal and public service contributions have earned him several honorary degrees and awards, including being appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 2014.
Premiership Vision
In his victory speech, Starmer emphasized his commitment to national renewal, promising a government that serves working people and preserves valuable aspects of British life. His manifesto focuses on economic growth, clean energy, healthcare, education, and workers’ rights, reflecting his pro-business and pro-worker stance.
Keir Starmer’s journey from a renowned human rights lawyer to the Prime Minister of the UK underscores his commitment to justice, equality, and public service. His leadership marks a new chapter for the Labour Party and the nation.
