Shadow portfolios

Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
In office 6 October 2016 – 4 April 2020
Leader	Jeremy Corbyn
Preceded by	Emily Thornberry
Succeeded by	Office abolished
Shadow Minister for Immigration
In office 18 September 2015 – 27 June 2016
Leader	Jeremy Corbyn
Preceded by	David Hanson
Succeeded by	Afzal Khan

Member of Parliament
for Holborn and St Pancras

Incumbent

Assumed office
7 May 2015

Preceded by

Frank Dobson

Majority

11,572 (30.0%)

Director of Public Prosecutions

In office
1 November 2008 – 1 November 2013

Appointed by

The Baroness Scotland

Preceded by

Ken Macdonald

Succeeded by

Alison Saunders

Personal details

Born

Keir Rodney Starmer

2 September 1962 (age 63)
Southwark, London, England

Political party

Labour

Spouse

Victoria Alexander

(m. 2007)

Children

Education

University of Leeds (LLB)
St Edmund Hall, Oxford (BCL)

Signature

Sir Keir Rodney Starmer (born 2 September 1962) is a British politician and former lawyer. He served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2024 to 2026. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was the leader of the Labour Party from 2020 to 2026 and the Leader of the Opposition from 2020 to 2024. He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015. Earlier in his career, he worked as a barrister and was the Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013.

Starmer was born in Southwark, London, and grew up in Surrey. He studied law at the University of Leeds and St Edmund Hall, Oxford. As a lawyer, he focused on human rights cases. He was knighted in 2014 for his work in law and criminal justice.

In 2024, Starmer led the Labour Party to a big victory in the general election, becoming Prime Minister. During his time in office, his government made changes to the economy, immigration, and healthcare. He also focused on foreign policy, supporting Ukraine and working to improve relations with other countries. Starmer resigned as Prime Minister and Labour Party leader on 20 July 2026, and Andy Burnham became his successor.

Early Life and Education

Keir Rodney Starmer was born in London on 2 September 1962. He grew up in Surrey. He was the second of four children. His mother was a nurse, and his father was a toolmaker. His parents supported the Labour Party. They may have named him after Keir Hardie, an early Labour leader.

He went to Reigate Grammar School. This school later became a private school, but he received help to continue his studies there. He studied subjects like mathematics, music, and physics. Some of his classmates included the musician Norman Cook (known as Fatboy Slim).

As a teenager, Keir Starmer was active in Labour politics. He joined the Labour Party Young Socialists at 16. He also played several musical instruments, including the flute and piano. He was the first in his family to go to university.

Sir Keir studied law at the University of Leeds. He graduated with top honours in 1985. He then continued his law studies at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, in 1986.

Legal Career

Sir Keir became a barrister in 1987. He worked mainly on cases involving human rights. He was a legal officer for the group Liberty. He also joined the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers.

He worked on human rights cases in several Caribbean countries. He defended people who were sentenced to the death penalty. In 2002, he became a Queen's Counsel, which is a very senior lawyer.

Sir Keir also advised the Northern Ireland Policing Board on human rights. This work helped bring communities together after the Good Friday Agreement. He said this experience influenced his decision to enter politics.

Official portrait as Director of Public Prosecutions, 2009

In 2008, Sir Keir was named the new head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This meant he became the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He brought a focus on human rights into the legal system.

During his time as DPP, he handled many important legal matters. He introduced new ways of working, including paperless hearings. He also oversaw prosecutions related to the 2011 riots in England. He stepped down as DPP in 2013.

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

Early Political Career

Official portrait as MP, 2017

In 2014, Sir Keir was chosen as the Labour candidate for Holborn and St Pancras. This was a safe seat for the Labour Party. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2015 general election. He won with a large majority. He was re-elected in 2017, 2019, and 2024.

During the 2016 European Union membership referendum, he supported the UK staying in the European Union. He later became a key spokesperson for Labour on Brexit.

Jeremy Corbyn & Starmer, 6 December 2019

In 2015, Sir Keir joined Jeremy Corbyn's team as a Shadow Home Office Minister. He later resigned from this role in 2016. After Corbyn was re-elected as leader, Sir Keir accepted a new role. He became the Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. In this role, he questioned the government's plans for leaving the EU.

Starmer speaking at a leadership election hustings

After Labour's defeat in the 2019 general election, Jeremy Corbyn resigned. Sir Keir announced he would run for leader of the Labour Party. He won the leadership election on 4 April 2020. He received 56.2 per cent of the votes.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his rivals and paid tribute to Jeremy Corbyn. He promised to unite the party.

Leader of the Opposition (2020–2024)

Starmer speaking in the Commons during Prime Minister's Questions, 22 April 2020

Sir Keir became Leader of the Opposition during the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially offered to work with the government. Later, he became more critical of the government's response to the pandemic.

As Labour leader, Sir Keir worked to strengthen the party. He focused on economic stability and improving public services. He also pledged to tackle crime and improve education. His party made significant gains in local elections in 2023 and 2024.

On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election for 4 July 2024. Labour had a large lead in opinion polls.

In June 2024, Sir Keir released Labour's manifesto, Change. It focused on economic growth, healthcare, education, and workers' rights. It also promised a new publicly owned energy company, Great British Energy.

Sir Keir led Labour to a big victory in the general election. This ended fourteen years of Conservative government. Labour won 411 seats, becoming the largest party in the House of Commons.

In his victory speech, Sir Keir thanked Labour Party workers. He spoke about "national renewal" and rebuilding the country.

Premiership (2024–2026)

Starmer in Downing Street delivering his first speech as prime minister, 5 July 2024

Sir Keir was appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III on 5 July 2024. He became the first Labour prime minister since 2010. He also became the first prime minister to enter office with a knighthood since Alec Douglas-Home.

In his first speech, Sir Keir paid tribute to his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. He said the people of the UK had voted for change. He promised to restore service and respect to politics.

Other world leaders, including Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau, congratulated him. One of his first actions was to end the Rwanda asylum plan. He established a Border Security Command to tackle smuggling gangs. He also visited the four nations of the UK and met with regional mayors.

Starmer convening his first Cabinet meeting on 6 July 2024

Sir Keir appointed his new Cabinet on 6 July. Parliament was recalled to meet on 9 July. His government included scientists, campaigners, and legal experts. Some ministers from previous Labour governments also joined.

In September 2025, his deputy, Angela Rayner, resigned over a matter related to her finances. Sir Keir then made changes to his cabinet.

In December 2024, Sir Keir appointed Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States. Mandelson was later dismissed in September 2025. Sir Keir stated that Mandelson had not been truthful during the vetting process. This led to the resignation of some of Sir Keir's senior staff.

Domestic Policies

Domestically, Sir Keir focused on economic growth and improving public services. His government proposed 39 new bills. These included plans to renationalise the railways and strengthen workers' rights.

Economy and Public Services

Starmer with Reeves, 6 July 2024

The new chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced changes to help the economy. The government ended some Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, but later reversed most of these cuts.

Sir Keir's government settled several public-sector strikes. They agreed to increase public-sector worker pay. In October 2024, the government increased the National Minimum Wage to £12.21 per hour. They also announced more funding for healthcare, housing, and education.

Immigration and Border Security

Sir Keir cancelled the Rwanda asylum plan. The Border Security Command was set up to tackle illegal migrant crossings.

In May 2025, Sir Keir spoke about reducing immigration levels. He later apologised for some of the language he used. In July 2025, a new migrant deal with France was announced.

Healthcare Reforms

On 11 September 2024, Sir Keir pledged that there would be no more money for the NHS without reform. He said the solution was to improve how the NHS works.

In February 2025, Sir Keir took a rapid HIV home test on camera. This was to support the goal of ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030. In March 2025, his government announced a plan to reform NHS England.

Education and Support for Children

Sir Keir's government introduced VAT on private school fees. They expanded free school meals to more children. They also opened 750 free breakfast clubs in primary schools.

His government initially kept the two-child benefit cap. However, in November 2025, Sir Keir reversed this policy and abolished the cap.

Responding to Public Disorder

Starmer receives senior British police officers at 10 Downing Street, 1 August 2024.

Following riots in England and Northern Ireland in 2024, Sir Keir announced a National Violent Disorder Programme. This aimed to improve cooperation between police forces. He stated that those involved in the disorder would face the full force of the law.

His government also reviewed the Online Safety Act 2023. This was to consider strengthening its rules.

Defence and Security

Starmer visiting a Vanguard-class submarine which provide Britain's nuclear deterrent

In February 2025, Sir Keir announced plans to increase defence spending. The goal was to reach 2.5% of GDP by April 2027. This was to ensure the UK was ready for global challenges.

In June 2025, Sir Keir announced the purchase of F-35A aircraft. These planes can carry US nuclear weapons. This was described as a major strengthening of the UK's nuclear defence.

Foreign Policy

Politico reported that Sir Keir visited 44 countries in his first 17 months as prime minister. He focused on building strong international relationships.

Relations with the United States

Starmer with US president Joe Biden in the Oval Office, 10 July 2024

Starmer with US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office, 27 February 2025

In July 2024, US President Joe Biden congratulated Sir Keir. They discussed the strong relationship between the US and the UK. They also talked about their support for Ukraine.

In September 2024, Sir Keir met with Donald Trump in New York. This was to establish a working relationship. After Trump won the 2024 US presidential election, Sir Keir congratulated him. In February 2025, Sir Keir met President Trump at the White House to discuss support for Ukraine and trade.

NATO and European Relations

Starmer and Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO summit in 2024

Sir Keir attended the 2024 NATO summit in Washington. He committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

He also worked to improve UK relations with the European Union after Brexit. He met with several European leaders. In August 2024, he announced talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to revise a cooperation agreement.

Support for Ukraine

Starmer with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 10 July 2024

At the 2024 NATO summit, Sir Keir said Ukraine could use British missiles to strike military targets in Russia. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sir Keir called for Ukraine to join NATO.

He also organised a summit of European leaders in London in 2025. They discussed continued support for Ukraine and peace efforts.

Relations with China

Starmer with Chinese president Xi Jinping, 30 January 2026

In November 2024, Sir Keir met Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed a desire to build a "consistent, durable, respectful" relationship with China. In January 2026, Sir Keir visited China to broaden trade ties.

Efforts for Peace in Gaza

Starmer at the Gaza peace summit in Egypt, 13 October 2025

On the Gaza war, Sir Keir supported Israel's right to self-defence. He also called for a ceasefire and committed humanitarian aid to Gaza. He supported a two-state solution for peace.

In September 2024, some British arms sales to Israel were suspended. This was due to concerns about international law. In November 2024, his government stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he travelled to the UK. This followed an international arrest warrant.

In May 2025, Sir Keir condemned Israel's renewed offensive against Gaza. He called for an immediate stop to military operations and more humanitarian aid. On 21 September 2025, the United Kingdom formally recognized the State of Palestine.

2026 Leadership Crisis and Resignation

In May 2026, Sir Keir faced a political crisis. There were reports of disagreements within his government. On 22 June 2026, Sir Keir announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. He remained in his positions until his successor was chosen. On 20 July 2026, Starmer formally resigned to Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Andy Burnham officially succeeded him hours later.

Political Views

Starmer and Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, visit primary school children in Orpington.

Sir Keir's political views changed after he became Labour leader in 2020. He initially had a left-leaning platform. However, he later adjusted many of his pledges due to changing economic situations.

He has focused on making the economy stronger and fairer. He believes in expanding economic opportunities for everyone. He also wants to reduce inequality.

Starmer visits Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru Wind Farm with First Minister of Wales, Baroness Eluned Morgan in Carmarthenshire, to promote Great British Energy.

Sir Keir supports social ownership and investment in public services. He is committed to renationalising the railways and local bus services. He also wants to create a publicly owned energy company. He advocates for reducing the voting age to 16.

He strongly supports green policies to tackle climate change. He has committed to removing fossil fuels from the UK electricity grid by 2030. His government also announced changes to improve animal welfare on farms.

He has pledged to reduce crime and violence. He wants to increase confidence in the criminal justice system.

Personal Life

Starmer and his wife, Victoria, outside 10 Downing Street, 5 July 2024

Sir Keir met his wife, Victoria Alexander, in the early 2000s. They married in 2007 and have two children, a son and a daughter. Before moving to Downing Street, their family home was in north-west London.

Sir Keir is a pescatarian, meaning he eats fish but not meat. His wife is a vegetarian. They raised their children as vegetarians until they were 10.

He is an atheist but supports his children being raised in the Jewish faith. He regularly attends services with his family. Sir Keir is a keen footballer and a long-time supporter of Premier League football club, Arsenal.

Since September 2024, Sir Keir and his family have a Siberian cat named Prince at 10 Downing Street. In December 2024, Sir Keir's brother, Nick, passed away after a cancer diagnosis.

Awards and Honours

In 2002, Sir Keir was appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel). He received an award in 2005 for his work challenging the death penalty in several countries. In 2022, he became an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Time magazine listed him as one of the world's 100 most influential people in 2025.

For his services to law and criminal justice, Sir Keir was knighted in 2014. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB).

Honorary degrees awarded to Keir Starmer
Date	School	Degree
21 July 2011	University of Essex	Doctor of University (D.U.)
16 July 2012	University of Leeds	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
19 November 2013	University of East London	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
19 December 2013	London School of Economics	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
14 July 2014	University of Reading	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
18 November 2014	University of Worcester	Doctor of University (D.Univ.)

Sir Keir became a member of the Privy Council on 19 July 2017. This gave him the title "The Right Honourable".

Keir Starmer Quotes

"Changing a country is not like flicking a switch. The world is now a more volatile place."
"I've got to do Kinnock and Blair's job in one term."
"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party."

Keir Starmer facts for kids

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