Early Life and Education of Keir Starmer: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Keir Starmer. A timeline of key moments.

Keir Starmer is a British politician and lawyer, currently serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2024. He has been the Leader of the Labour Party since 2020 and previously served as Leader of the Opposition (2020-2024). Elected as the Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015, Starmer's career also includes a stint as the Director of Public Prosecutions from 2008 to 2013. His leadership is focused on steering the Labour Party and the UK's political landscape.

Sections (5)

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

September 1962: Keir Starmer was born

In September 1962, Keir Rodney Starmer was born in Southwark, London, and grew up in Oxted, Surrey. His parents were Labour Party supporters.

1976: Reigate Grammar School became an independent fee-paying school

In 1976, Reigate Grammar School, which Keir Starmer attended, converted into an independent fee-paying school while he was a student.

1985: Graduated with a first class LLB

In 1985, Keir Starmer graduated from the University of Leeds with a first class LLB.

1985: Graduated with Bachelor of Laws

In 1985, Keir Starmer graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Leeds.

1986: Received postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree

In 1986, Keir Starmer received a postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree from the University of Oxford.

1986: Took a Bachelor of Civil Law degree

In 1986, Keir Starmer took a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree from the University of Oxford.

2003: Marched against the Iraq War

In 2003, Keir Starmer marched in protest against the Iraq War following the invasion of Iraq.

2004: Engaged to Victoria Alexander

In 2004, Keir Starmer became engaged to Victoria Alexander.

2005: Commented on Queen's Counsel appointment

In 2005, Keir Starmer commented on his Queen's Counsel appointment, noting the irony given his past proposals to abolish the monarchy.

May 2007: Marriage to Victoria Alexander

On 6 May 2007, Keir Starmer married Victoria Alexander at the Fennes Estate in Essex.

2015: Believed Iraq war was not lawful

In 2015, Keir Starmer stated that he believed the Iraq war was not lawful under international law.

2015: Unconfirmed namesake of Keir Hardie

In 2015, Keir Starmer was asked about the rumour he was named after Keir Hardie but he did not confirm it.

2016: Supported Remaining in the European Union

During the 2016 European Union membership referendum, Keir Starmer supported the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign for the UK to remain in the European Union (EU).

2016: Supported Remain campaign in EU referendum

In 2016, Keir Starmer supported the Remain campaign in the European Union membership referendum.

2019: Labour Membership Peak

During Starmer's tenure as leader, Labour saw a drop in party membership from a peak of 532,000 after the 2019 election.

2019: Resignation of Jeremy Corbyn

Following Labour's defeat at the 2019 general election, Jeremy Corbyn resigned, leading to a leadership election.

October 2020: Accepted EHRC Report and Apologized for Antisemitism

In October 2020, Keir Starmer accepted the findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s report into antisemitism in the Labour Party and apologised to Jews on the Party's behalf.

2022: Initial support for transgender identities

In 2022, Keir Starmer initially indicated support for transgender identities.

2022: Elected Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford

In 2022, Keir Starmer was elected an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford.

2022: By-Election Results

In 2022, Labour held seats at the Birmingham Erdington by-election and the City of Chester by-election, as well as a gain from the Conservatives at the Wakefield by-election.

May 2024: General Election Announced

On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a general election would be held on 4 July 2024.

July 2024: General Election Date

A general election was scheduled to be held on 4 July 2024.

July 2024: Congratulations and Policy Declarations

In July 2024, following his appointment as prime minister, Keir Starmer received congratulations from world leaders, including Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau, as well as Blair and Brown. One of his first acts was to declare the Rwanda asylum plan "dead" and establish a Border Security Command. He also toured the four nations of the UK and attended his first Prime Minister's Questions in parliament on 24 July 2024.

September 2024: Family kept a kitten at 10 Downing Street

Since September 2024, the Starmer family has kept a Siberian kitten named Prince at 10 Downing Street.

December 2024: Death of brother Nick

On 26 December 2024, Keir Starmer's brother, Nick, died following a cancer diagnosis.

2024: Interview during the 2024 general election campaign

During the 2024 general election campaign, Starmer discussed his family and personal life, including his fears about becoming Prime Minister and his intention to observe Shabbat dinners.

2024: Southport Stabbing and Subsequent Riots

Following the 2024 Southport stabbing, in which three young girls were killed, Starmer described the incident as horrendous and shocking and thanked emergency services for their swift response. He visited Southport and laid flowers at the scene, where he was heckled by some members of the public. Starmer later wrote amidst the riots across England and Northern Ireland following the stabbing that those who had "hijacked the vigil for the victims" had "insulted the community as it grieves" and that rioters would feel the full force of the law.

February 2025: HIV Testing on Camera

On 10 February 2025, Keir Starmer, along with singer Beverley Knight and Terrence Higgins Trust chief executive Richard Angell, recorded himself taking a rapid HIV home test, becoming the first serving British Prime Minister and G7 leader to do so on camera.