Politics

Keir Starmer: A Profile of Britain’s New Prime Minister

Published

6 months ago

July 5, 2024

Keir Starmer, the newly elected British Prime Minister, promises sweeping changes for the nation following his Labour Party’s decisive win in Friday’s parliamentary election.

With this victory, Labour ends a 14-year tenure of Conservative rule marked by turbulence.

Starmer’s ascent signals a shift in leadership, as he pledges to tackle pressing national issues and steer the country towards a new era of governance.

His win marks a pivotal moment in British politics, promising initiatives aimed at addressing societal challenges and shaping a future that resonates with the electorate’s aspirations.

Who Is Keir Starmer?

Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB, KC, born September 2, 1962, is a British politician and barrister. He has been the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Labour Party since 2020.

Starmer has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015 and was the Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.

Following the Labour Party’s victory in the 2024 general election, he will succeed Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Keir Starmer was born in London and grew up in Surrey. He went to Reigate Grammar School, which became a private school while he was there.

Starmer became politically active early, joining the Labour Party Young Socialists at 16.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Leeds in 1985 and earned a postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree from St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, in 1986.

Professional Career

After becoming a barrister, Starmer focused on criminal defense and specialized in human rights. He advised the Northern Ireland Policing Board on human rights and became a Queen’s Counsel in 2002.

He later said his work in Northern Ireland influenced his decision to enter politics. As Director of Public Prosecutions, he handled major cases, including the Stephen Lawrence murder case.

In 2014, he was made Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) for his services to law and criminal justice.

Starmer was elected to the House of Commons in 2015. As a backbencher, he supported the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign during the 2016 EU referendum.

Jeremy Corbyn appointed him Shadow Minister for Immigration, but he resigned in June 2016 in protest of Corbyn’s leadership.

Later that year, he became Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and supported a second referendum on Brexit.

Political Journey

Starmer was elected to the House of Commons in 2015. As a backbencher, he supported the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign during the 2016 EU referendum, which was unsuccessful.

Jeremy Corbyn appointed him Shadow Minister for Immigration, but he resigned in June 2016 along with other shadow cabinet members in protest of Corbyn’s leadership.

Later that year, Corbyn appointed him as Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, where Starmer supported a second referendum on Brexit.

Road To UK Premiership

After Labour’s defeat in the 2019 general election, Corbyn resigned, and Starmer won the 2020 leadership election on a left-wing platform to succeed him.

As Labour leader, Starmer has moved the party toward the political center. He has focused on eliminating antisemitism within the party, a controversial issue during Corbyn’s leadership.

His supporters praise his reforms on antisemitism and believe he has improved Labour’s credibility with voters. However, his critics accuse him of unfairly treating leftist Labour members.

Keir Starmer vs Rishi Sunak

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat in the UK national election, announcing that the opposition Labour Party had won.

“The Labour Party has won this general election, and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory,” Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England.

“Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.”

Sunak said the British people had delivered “a sobering verdict.”

“There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss,” he said.

Personal Life

Keir Starmer is married to Victoria, Lady Starmer (née Alexander; born 1973 or 1974). As of July 2024, she works for the National Health Service (NHS).

Keir and Victoria have two children and live in Camden, within his Holborn and St Pancras constituency. They do not mention their children’s names in public.

Keir Starmer Net Worth

According to Prolific London, Sir Keir Starmer has a net worth of about £7.7 million. However, they estimate it could rise to between £10 million and £15 million when considering his other income sources and the land he has owned since 1996.

How Did Sir Starmer Make His Money?

As an MP from 2021 to 2022, Sir Keir earned a salary of £76,961 and received an additional £49,193 for his role as Leader of the Opposition.

His previous position as Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Crown Prosecution Service from 2008 to 2013 also provided a substantial salary.

From 2020 to 2021, Sir Keir earned over £21,000 for his legal services as a barrister.

In May 2020, The Mail on Sunday reported that Sir Keir owned seven acres of land in Surrey valued at up to £10 million, which he purchased in 1996.

The Labour leader and his wife Victoria own a home in North London that they bought for £600,000, and it is now estimated to be worth more than £1 million.

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