Challenges in the Life of Keir Starmer in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Keir Starmer. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

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: 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.

2012: Allegations in "Twitter joke trial" and Savile's abuse crimes exposed

In 2012, Nick Cohen alleged that Starmer was responsible for the prosecution in the "Twitter joke trial," which the CPS denied. Also in 2012, when Jimmy Savile's sexual abuse crimes were exposed, Starmer stated that people rightfully wanted to know why Savile had been allowed to get away with his crimes for so long.

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.

2019: Drop in party membership

During Starmer's tenure as leader, Labour saw a drop in party membership from a peak of 532,000 after the 2019 election to 370,450 in the runup to the 2024 election. This reflects the challenges of maintaining party support.

2021: Considered resigning after local election results

Following Labour's mixed results in the 2021 local elections, Keir Starmer considered resigning. However, he decided to stay on, feeling "vindicated" in his decision to continue leading the party.

2021: Hartlepool by-election loss

In 2021, during Keir Starmer's tenure as Opposition Leader, his party suffered the loss of a previously safe Labour seat at the Hartlepool by-election. This result indicated challenges in maintaining traditional Labour strongholds.

May 2022: Pledge to resign amid "beergate" controversy

In May 2022, Keir Starmer stated that he would resign if he received a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 regulations during campaign activities in the run-up to the Hartlepool by-election and local elections the previous year. This controversy became known as "beergate."

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.

August 2022: Breach of MPs' code of conduct

In August 2022, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Stone, found that Keir Starmer had breached the MPs' code of conduct eight times. The breaches were due to failing to register interests on eight occasions.

July 2024: Labour Withdraws Whip From MPs

On July 23 2024, the Labour Party withdrew the whip from seven MPs who supported an amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The MPs were later suspended for six months.

September 2024: Suspension of Arms Sales to Israel

In September 2024, under Keir Starmer's premiership, the licences of some British arms sales to Israel were suspended due to concerns about violations of international law.

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.

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: Membership decline

In 2024, the Labour Party saw more than 20,000 members leave within two months. This decline was attributed to the party's stance on the Gazan genocide and green investment, reflecting internal disagreements.