Biography
Keir Starmer (born September 2, 1962, London, England) is a British politician and barrister (lawyer) who became leader of the Labour Party in 2020. He has served as a member of Parliament for Holborn and St. Pancras since 2015. Starmer became prime minister of the United Kingdom, replacing Rishi Sunak, after a landslide Labour victory in the July 4, 2024, British general election.
Starmer is one of four children of Rodney Starmer, who worked as a toolmaker in a factory, and Josephine (née Baker) Starmer, a nurse. He was named Keir after the first parliamentary leader of the Labour Party, J. Keir Hardie. Starmer grew up in Surrey and attended Reigate Grammar School, a selective state school that became private during his time as a student there. The first member of his family to attain a university degree, he graduated from the University of Leeds with a bachelor of law degree in 1985. He next earned a postgraduate bachelor of civil law degree at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. Between 1986 and 1987 Starmer belonged to the editorial collective of the left-wing magazine Socialist Alternatives.
A Law-Grounded, Rights-Based Governance
Starmer’s early career as a barrister and his role as Director of Public Prosecutions show a deep commitment to justice, fairness, and human rights. His experience has shaped a vision for a government that upholds the rule of law and defends civil liberties.
A Reformed, Centrist Labour Party
Since becoming Labour leader in 2020, Starmer has moved the party towards the political centre, distancing it from the more left-leaning stance of his predecessor. His focus is on pragmatism, unity, and electability, seeking broad appeal without compromising core Labour values.
Restoring Trust in Public Institutions
Having worked within the justice system and navigated political transitions, Starmer aims to rebuild public confidence in government, the legal system, and democratic institutions by promoting accountability and integrity.
Policy Overhaul and Progressive Reforms
Under his premiership, key reforms include:
Ending the Rwanda asylum plan, replacing it with a Border Security Command.
Launching a National Violent Disorder Programme to address domestic unrest.
Reforming workers’ rights, including raising the minimum wage.
Addressing prison overcrowding through early-release schemes.
Settling public-sector strikes, signaling a focus on negotiation and labor harmony.
Fight for change
Sir Keir Starmer kicked off the new year with a promise to “fight for change” in 2025.
