Career Timeline of Keir Starmer: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Keir Starmer built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Keir Starmer is a British politician and lawyer, currently serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2024 and Leader of the Labour Party since 2020. He also served as Leader of the Opposition from 2020 to 2024. Starmer has been the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015. Prior to entering politics, he was the Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013, highlighting his extensive legal background.
1986: Editor of Socialist Alternatives
From 1986 to 1987, Starmer served as the editor of Socialist Alternatives, a Trotskyist radical magazine.
1987: Editor of Socialist Alternatives
From 1986 to 1987, Starmer served as the editor of Socialist Alternatives, a Trotskyist radical magazine.
1987: Became a Barrister
In 1987, Starmer became a barrister at the Middle Temple.
1990: Served as a legal officer for Liberty
Starmer served as a legal officer for the campaign group Liberty until 1990. He then became a member of Doughty Street Chambers.
1999: Junior barrister on Lee Clegg's appeal
In 1999, Starmer was a junior barrister on Lee Clegg's appeal.
April 2002: Appointed Queen's Counsel
On 9 April 2002, Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel, aged 39.
2002: Member of Death Penalty Advisory Panel
From 2002, Starmer served as a human rights advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers, and was also a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Death Penalty Advisory Panel.
2002: Appointed Queen's Counsel
In 2002, Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel.
2002: Largest party in local government
In 2002, Labour achieved its status as the largest party in local government, a position it regained in 2023. This represents a significant milestone in the party's performance.
July 2008: Appointed Head of the Crown Prosecution Service
In July 2008, Patricia Scotland, Attorney General for England and Wales, named Starmer as the new Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
November 2008: Took office as DPP
On 1 November 2008, Keir Starmer took office as Director of Public Prosecutions.
2008: Director of Public Prosecutions
In 2008, Keir Starmer became the Director of Public Prosecutions.
2008: End of term as advisor
In 2008, Starmer's term as a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Death Penalty Advisory Panel ended.
2009: Became a bencher
In 2009, Starmer became a bencher at the Middle Temple.
February 2010: CPS to prosecute MPs
In February 2010, Keir Starmer, as the Director of Public Prosecutions, announced that the CPS would prosecute three Labour MPs and one Conservative peer for false accounting after the parliamentary expenses scandal. All were later found guilty. This shows Starmer's commitment to prosecuting politicians regardless of their party affiliation.
2011: Introduced reforms
In 2011, during his time as DPP, Starmer introduced reforms that included the "first test paperless hearing".
2011: Prioritising rapid prosecutions of rioters
In 2011, during the England riots, Keir Starmer prioritized rapid prosecutions of rioters over long sentences, which he later stated helped bring the situation under control. This event is noteworthy due to its impact on law and order during a time of social unrest.
February 2012: Prosecution of Chris Huhne
In February 2012, Keir Starmer announced that Chris Huhne would be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice. Starmer stated that the CPS would not shy away from prosecuting politicians if there was sufficient evidence, reinforcing his stance on accountability in public office.
November 2013: Stepping down as Director of Public Prosecutions
In November 2013, Keir Starmer stepped down as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and was succeeded by Alison Saunders. This marked the end of his tenure in that significant public role.
2013: Changes to sexual abuse investigations
In 2013, Keir Starmer announced changes to how sexual abuse investigations were to be handled amid Operation Yewtree. This included the implementation of a panel to review complaints, marking a significant shift in the handling of such cases.
2013: End of term as Director of Public Prosecutions
In 2013, Keir Starmer's term as Director of Public Prosecutions ended.
December 2014: Selection as Labour candidate
In December 2014, Keir Starmer was selected as the Labour parliamentary candidate for Holborn and St Pancras after Frank Dobson's decision to retire. This marked a significant step towards his entry into parliamentary politics.
2014: Represented Croatia at the International Court of Justice
In 2014, Starmer represented Croatia at the genocide hearings before the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
September 2015: Appointed Shadow Home Office Minister
In September 2015, Keir Starmer was appointed to Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Home Office Minister. This appointment marked a significant step in his political career.
2015: Became MP for Holborn and St Pancras
In 2015, Keir Starmer became the Member of Parliament (MP) for Holborn and St Pancras.
2015: Elected to the House of Commons
In 2015, Keir Starmer was elected to the House of Commons at the general election.
2015: Urged to stand in Labour leadership election
In 2015, following Ed Miliband's resignation as Leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer was urged to stand in the Labour Party leadership election. However, he ruled this out, citing his relative lack of political experience at the time and supported Andy Burnham.
June 2016: Resigned from Shadow Cabinet
In June 2016, Keir Starmer resigned from his role as Shadow Home Office Minister. His resignation was part of the widespread Shadow Cabinet resignations in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership following the 2016 EU Referendum result.
September 2016: Appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union
Following Jeremy Corbyn's re-election in September 2016, Keir Starmer accepted a new post as Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. This new role positioned him as a key figure in scrutinizing the government's Brexit plans.
2016: Support for remaining in the EU
During the 2016 European Union membership referendum, Keir Starmer supported the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign. This campaign advocated for the UK to remain in the European Union (EU).
2017: Re-election as MP
In 2017, Keir Starmer was re-elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras at the general election, increasing his majority to 30,509 (70.1 per cent). This demonstrated strong support from his constituency.
2019: Corbyn's Resignation
Following Labour's defeat at the 2019 general election and Corbyn's resignation, Starmer succeeded him.
2019: Corbyn's resignation announcement
Following the defeat at the 2019 general election, Jeremy Corbyn announced that he would not lead Labour at the next general election after "a process of reflection".
2019: Re-election as MP with reduced majority
In 2019, Keir Starmer was re-elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in the general election. However, his majority was reduced to 27,763 (64.9 per cent), indicating a shift in voter support.
January 2020: Announced candidacy for Labour leadership
On 4 January 2020, Keir Starmer announced his candidacy for the Labour leadership election. He received support from prominent figures such as former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
April 2020: Declared winner of Labour leadership contest
On 4 April 2020, Keir Starmer was declared the winner of Labour's leadership contest. He defeated his rivals, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy, with 56.2 per cent of the vote in the first round, marking a significant moment in his career.
October 2020: Acceptance of EHRC report on antisemitism
In October 2020, following the release of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s report into antisemitism in the Labour Party, Keir Starmer accepted its findings in full and apologised to Jews on the Party's behalf. This was a critical step in addressing the issue of antisemitism within the Labour Party.
2020: Became Leader of the Labour Party
In 2020, Keir Starmer became the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition.
2020: Won Labour Leadership Election
In 2020, Keir Starmer won the Labour leadership election.
March 2021: Call for Longer Sentences for Rape and Sexual Violence
Following the murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021, Keir Starmer called for longer sentences for rape and sexual violence.
May 2021: First Shadow Cabinet reshuffle
In May 2021, Keir Starmer conducted his first reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet. These reshuffles saw a change in the representation of different factions within the party.
November 2021: Second Shadow Cabinet reshuffle
In November 2021, Keir Starmer undertook a second reshuffle of his Shadow Cabinet. The reshuffles generally reduced the representation of the left and soft left on the Opposition frontbench, while increasing the representation of the Party's right.
July 2022: Vote of no confidence proposed
In July 2022, amidst a historic number of ministers resigning from Boris Johnson's government, Keir Starmer proposed a vote of no confidence in the Government. He asserted that Johnson should not be allowed to remain in office.
2022: Gordon Brown's Report on British Constitutional Reforms
In 2022, Gordon Brown's report, endorsed by Starmer, recommended abolishing the House of Lords, extending greater powers to local councils and mayors, and deeper devolution to the countries of the United Kingdom.
2022: Holds and gains in by-elections
In 2022, Labour held seats at the Birmingham Erdington and City of Chester by-elections. The party also gained a seat from the Conservatives at the Wakefield by-election, reflecting mixed electoral results.
February 2023: Labour no longer monitored by EHRC
In February 2023, Keir Starmer's antisemitism reforms resulted in the Labour Party no longer being monitored by the EHRC. This marked a significant achievement in addressing and resolving issues of antisemitism within the party.
April 2023: Starmer's Economist Interview on Defining Starmerism
In April 2023, Keir Starmer gave an interview to The Economist, defining "Starmerism". Two main strands were identified: critiquing the British state's ineffectiveness and over-centralisation, and adhering to an economic policy of "modern supply-side economics".
June 2023: Starmer's Time Interview Defining Starmerism
In June 2023, Keir Starmer defined "Starmerism" in an interview with Time, emphasising the need to fix the economy, address climate change as a major opportunity, reform public services, and ensure a safe environment.
September 2023: Third Shadow Cabinet reshuffle
In September 2023, Keir Starmer conducted a third reshuffle of his Shadow Cabinet. These reshuffles reduced the representation of the left and soft left on the Opposition frontbench, while increasing the representation of the Party's right.
December 2023: Starmer Uses Thatcher, Blair, and Attlee as Examples
In December 2023, Keir Starmer cited Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, and Clement Attlee as examples of politicians who effected "meaningful change" by serving the British people.
2023: Labour Party gains in local elections
In 2023, Keir Starmer's Labour Party made significant gains in the local elections.
May 2024: Announcement of general election
On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a general election would be held on 4 July 2024. This announcement set the stage for a major political contest.
June 2024: Pledge to Reduce Legal Immigration
In June 2024, Keir Starmer pledged to reduce the record high level of legal immigration to the UK by improving training and skills for British workers.
June 2024: Release of the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto
In June 2024, Keir Starmer released the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, titled "Change". The manifesto focused on economic growth, healthcare, education, and strengthening workers' rights. It outlined specific pledges such as a new publicly-owned energy company (Great British Energy) and a "Green Prosperity Plan".
July 2024: Attends NATO Summit
As prime minister, Keir Starmer's first overseas meeting was the 2024 NATO summit held in Washington from 9 to 11 July 2024, committing to increase defence spending.
July 2024: Starmer Assures Netanyahu of Continued Cooperation
In July 2024 Keir Starmer assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UK government would continue its "vital cooperation to deter malign threats" with Israel.
July 2024: First Prime Minister's Questions
In July 2024, Keir Starmer attended his first Prime Minister's Questions in parliament.
July 2024: Starmer's Statement to PinkNews on LGBT Rights
In July 2024, Keir Starmer stated to PinkNews that the Labour Party supported LGBT rights, including strengthening protections against hate crimes, modernising the gender recognition framework, and a proposed, trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy.
July 2024: General Election
In July 2024, a general election was scheduled, with Labour entering the contest with a significant lead in opinion polls. The potential scale of Labour's victory was a prominent topic throughout the campaign.
July 2024: Biden Congratulates Starmer
In July 2024, following the 2024 general election, US President Joe Biden congratulated Keir Starmer and they discussed the Special Relationship between the US and the UK, as well as their mutual support of Ukraine.
July 2024: Appointed Prime Minister
On 5 July 2024, as the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, Keir Starmer was appointed Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, and Minister for the Civil Service by King Charles III. He became the first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown in 2010 and the first to win a general election since Tony Blair in 2005.
August 2024: Public Sector Pay Increase
In August 2024, Keir Starmer's government agreed to increase public-sector worker pay by 5 to 7 per cent.
August 2024: Talks towards Germany-UK co-operation
On 27 August 2024, Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced talks towards revising a Germany-UK co-operation agreement covering areas including defence, energy security, science and technology.
September 2024: Starmer Meets Donald Trump
In September 2024, Keir Starmer met Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York City, aiming to establish a working relationship.
September 2024: No More Money for NHS without Reform
On 11 September 2024, Keir Starmer pledged that there would be no more money for the NHS without reform due to the NHS in England being in a critical condition.
October 2024: Enhancement of Employment Regulations
On 10 October 2024, the Labour Government implemented the most significant enhancement of employment regulations in a generation.
October 2024: Rachel Reeves Presents Budget
On 30 October 2024, Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented the Labour Party's first Budget in over 14 years to the House of Commons. It focused on investment, healthcare, education, childcare, sustainable energy, transport, and worker's rights enrichment.
November 2024: Meets Xi Jinping
In November 2024, Keir Starmer met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, expressing his desire to build a 'consistent, durable, respectful' relationship with China.
2024: Became Prime Minister
In 2024, Keir Starmer became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
2024: Led Labour to landslide victory in general election
In 2024, Keir Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory at the general election. Under Starmer's premiership the government has ended certain winter fuel payments for around 10 million people, implemented an early-release scheme for thousands of prisoners, and settled a number of public-sector strikes. Starmer has also announced the Border Security Command, a National Violent Disorder Programme, reforms to workers' rights and an increase in the minimum wage. In foreign policy, he has supported Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel in the Gaza war, whilst also calling for a ceasefire in the latter conflict.
2024: Distancing from Corbyn's leadership
In 2024, Keir Starmer revealed he was "certain that we would lose the 2019 election" and began to distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and many of the policies put forward at the general election. This distancing reflects a shift in the Labour Party's direction under Starmer's leadership.
2024: Labour Party gains in local elections
In 2024, Keir Starmer's Labour Party made significant gains in the local elections.
2024: Re-elected as MP with further reduced majority
In the 2024 general election, Keir Starmer was re-elected as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. His majority was further reduced to 18,884 (48.9 per cent), reflecting continued changes in the political landscape.
2024: Labour's 2024 Election Manifesto Commitments
Labour's 2024 election manifesto committed to removing the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords, setting a mandatory retirement age of 80, and starting a consultation on replacing the Lords with a more representative body.
2030: Commitment to Eliminate Fossil Fuels
Keir Starmer has committed to eliminating fossil fuels from the UK electricity grid by 2030.
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