Sir Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, a position he has held since July 2024. He is also the Leader of the Labour Party, a role he assumed in April 2020. Prior to his current roles, he served as the Leader of the Opposition and Director of Public Prosecutions. He has been a Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
September 1962: Keir Starmer is born
On September 1962, Keir Starmer was born in Southwark, London.
1976: Reigate Grammar School becomes private
While Keir Starmer was a student, Reigate Grammar School transitioned from a voluntary aided selective grammar school into an independent fee-paying institution in 1976.
1985: Keir Starmer graduates from the University of Leeds
In 1985, Keir Starmer graduated from the University of Leeds with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
1985: Keir Starmer graduates with first class honors in Law
Keir Starmer graduated with first class honors and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Leeds in 1985, becoming the first member of his family to graduate.
1986: Keir Starmer graduates from the University of Oxford
In 1986, Keir Starmer graduated from the University of Oxford with a Bachelor of Civil Law degree.
1986: Keir Starmer receives Bachelor of Civil Law degree
Keir Starmer completed his postgraduate studies at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, and graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) in 1986.
1987: Keir Starmer serves as editor for Socialist Alternatives
From 1986 to 1987, Keir Starmer served as the editor of Socialist Alternatives, a Trotskyist radical magazine.
1987: Keir Starmer becomes a barrister
Keir Starmer began his career as a barrister at the Middle Temple in 1987.
1990: Keir Starmer joins Doughty Street Chambers
Keir Starmer joined Doughty Street Chambers in 1990 and focused primarily on human rights issues.
1999: Keir Starmer works on Lee Clegg's appeal
Keir Starmer, as a junior barrister, was involved in Lee Clegg's appeal in 1999.
April 2002: Keir Starmer appointed Queen's Counsel
On April 9, 2002, at the age of 39, Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel.
2002: Keir Starmer becomes human rights advisor
Keir Starmer served as a human rights advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers starting in 2002.
2002: Keir Starmer becomes Queen's Counsel
Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel on April 9, 2002.
2004: Engagement to Victoria Alexander
Keir Starmer and Victoria Alexander became engaged in 2004.
2005: Keir Starmer expresses his views on becoming Queen's Counsel
In 2005, Keir Starmer remarked on his appointment as Queen's Counsel, stating, "I got made a Queen’s Counsel, which is odd since I often used to propose the abolition of the monarchy."
May 2007: Marriage to Victoria Alexander
On May 6, 2007, Keir Starmer married Victoria Alexander, a former solicitor and occupational health worker, at the Fennes Estate in Essex. The couple had met in the early 2000s.
July 2008: Appointment as Head of the Crown Prosecution Service
In July 2008, Keir Starmer was appointed as the new head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Director of Public Prosecutions.
November 2008: Assumption of Office as Director of Public Prosecutions
Keir Starmer took over as Director of Public Prosecutions from Ken Macdonald on November 1, 2008.
2008: Keir Starmer becomes Director of Public Prosecutions
In 2008, Keir Starmer was appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
2008: Keir Starmer finishes term on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's death penalty advisory panel
Keir Starmer concluded his service on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's death penalty advisory panel in 2008.
2009: Keir Starmer becomes a bencher at the Middle Temple
In 2009, Keir Starmer was appointed as a bencher at the Middle Temple.
February 2010: Prosecution of MPs and a Peer for False Accounting
Under Keir Starmer's leadership, the CPS decided to prosecute three Labour MPs and a Conservative peer for false accounting in February 2010, all of whom were found guilty.
2011: Handling of the 2011 England Riots
During the 2011 England riots, Keir Starmer, as Director of Public Prosecutions, prioritized rapid prosecutions of rioters over long sentences.
2011: Reception of Honorary Degrees
From 2011 onwards, Keir Starmer received honorary degrees from several universities, recognizing his contributions to law and criminal justice.
2011: Introduction of Reforms in the Crown Prosecution Service
In 2011, Keir Starmer introduced several reforms as Director of Public Prosecutions, including the first paperless hearing.
February 2012: Prosecution of Chris Huhne
Keir Starmer announced that cabinet member Chris Huhne would be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice in February 2012.
November 2013: Stepping Down as Director of Public Prosecutions
Keir Starmer stepped down from his role as Director of Public Prosecutions in November 2013 and was succeeded by Alison Saunders.
2013: Keir Starmer steps down as Director of Public Prosecutions
In 2013, Keir Starmer finished his term as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
2013: Changes to Sexual Abuse Investigations
Keir Starmer announced changes to how sexual abuse investigations were handled in 2013 following the Jimmy Savile scandal.
April 2014: Recommendations for a Victim-Centric Criminal Justice System
In April 2014, Keir Starmer recommended making the criminal justice system more suitable for victims.
December 2014: Selection as Labour Candidate for Holborn and St Pancras
Keir Starmer was chosen as the Labour Party's candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency in December 2014.
2014: Knighthood and Recognition for Services to Law
Keir Starmer was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2014 New Year Honours for his services to law and criminal justice.
2014: Keir Starmer is knighted
Keir Starmer was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to law and criminal justice.
2015: Consideration and Decision Not to Run for Labour Leadership
Following Ed Miliband's resignation, Keir Starmer was encouraged to run for Labour leadership in 2015 but decided against it due to his limited political experience. He then supported Andy Burnham, who came in second to Jeremy Corbyn.
2015: Election as MP for Holborn and St Pancras
Keir Starmer was elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in the 2015 general election.
2015: Keir Starmer is elected to Parliament
Keir Starmer was elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 general election.
June 2016: Keir Starmer resigns as Shadow Minister for Immigration
In June 2016, Keir Starmer resigned from his position as Shadow Minister for Immigration in protest of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
June 2016: Resignation from Shadow Cabinet and Subsequent Appointment as Shadow Brexit Secretary
Keir Starmer resigned from his position as Shadow Minister for Immigration in June 2016, protesting Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Following Corbyn's re-election, Starmer accepted the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.
November 2016: Statement on EU Free Movement Negotiations
In November 2016, Keir Starmer stated that negotiations with the EU should acknowledge the need for changes to freedom of movement regulations.
December 2016: Advocacy for Publication of Brexit Plans
In December 2016, Keir Starmer's call for the government to make its Brexit plans public was seen as a victory when Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed their publication.
2016: Support for "Britain Stronger in Europe" Campaign
Keir Starmer actively supported the unsuccessful "Britain Stronger in Europe" campaign during the 2016 European Union membership referendum.
January 2017: Call for EU Free Movement Reform and Immigration Rethink
Keir Starmer called for a reform of the EU's free movement rules after Brexit and suggested a significant reassessment of immigration policies in January 2017.
May 2017: Statement on EU Free Movement and Job Offers
In May 2017, Keir Starmer expressed his belief that while free movement had to be addressed, it was crucial to allow EU citizens to migrate to the UK with job offers, considering immigration's importance to the UK economy.
2017: Re-election as MP for Holborn and St Pancras with Increased Majority
Keir Starmer was re-elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in the 2017 general election, securing a larger majority.
September 2018: Advocacy for a Second Brexit Referendum
During the Labour Party Conference in September 2018, Keir Starmer advocated for a public vote on the Brexit withdrawal agreement, suggesting that "remain" should be an option.
2019: Re-election as MP for Holborn and St Pancras
Keir Starmer was re-elected as the MP for Holborn and St Pancras in the 2019 general election, although his majority decreased.
2019: Labour loses the general election
The Labour Party, under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, was defeated in the 2019 general election.
2019: Support for a Second Brexit Referendum and Distancing from Corbyn's Leadership
Keir Starmer supported the idea of a second Brexit referendum, which became a Labour Party policy for the 2019 general election. Following Labour's defeat, he started to distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and policies.
January 2020: Announcement of Candidacy for Labour Leadership
Keir Starmer announced his candidacy for the Labour Party leadership election on January 4, 2020.
April 2020: Keir Starmer becomes Leader of the Labour Party
In April 2020, Keir Starmer was elected as the Leader of the Labour Party.
April 2020: Victory in the Labour Leadership Election
Keir Starmer won the Labour Party leadership election on April 4, 2020, defeating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy in the first round with 56.2% of the vote.
October 2020: Starmer Accepts Findings of Antisemitism Report, Corbyn Suspended
In October 2020, following the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)'s report on antisemitism within the Labour Party, Keir Starmer accepted the findings and issued an apology to the Jewish community. The report criticized the party's culture, suggesting it had failed to adequately address antisemitism. Starmer called the findings "hard to read" and a "day of shame" for the party. Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, disputed the scale of antisemitism outlined in the report and was subsequently suspended from the party. He was later expelled for running as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election.
2020: Keir Starmer elected Leader of the Labour Party
Following Labour's defeat in the 2019 general election, Keir Starmer won the 2020 leadership election and became the new leader of the Labour Party.
2021: Starmer Outlines Centrist Vision for Labour Party
Addressing the Labour Party's annual conference in 2021, his first in-person appearance since becoming leader, Keir Starmer presented a more centrist direction for the party. He emphasized a strong economy and tougher stances on crime, marking a shift from the previous leadership's positions.
2021: Contemplation of Resignation
Following the Labour Party's performance in the 2021 local elections, the first under his leadership, Keir Starmer considered stepping down. He questioned whether he should remain leader if he couldn't effect the necessary changes within the party. However, after reflection and discussions, he decided to stay on, believing in the need for change within Labour.
2021: Mixed Results in By-elections
Keir Starmer's leadership saw a mix of losses and holds for the Labour Party in by-elections in 2021. The party lost the Hartlepool by-election but held onto Batley and Spen.
July 2022: Starmer Proposes Vote of No Confidence in Johnson's Government
In July 2022, amid a wave of resignations from Boris Johnson's government, Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, proposed a vote of no confidence. Starmer argued that the scale of the revolt against Johnson's leadership made his position untenable and called for his resignation.
November 2022: Starmer Pledges to Remove Politicians' Power to Appoint Lords
In November 2022, Keir Starmer committed to stripping politicians of the authority to appoint members to the House of Lords if Labour were to win the next general election. He argued that public trust in the political system had been eroded by successive Conservative leaders appointing "lackeys and donors" to the House of Lords.
2022: By-election Wins and Losses
The Labour Party, under Starmer's leadership, experienced both gains and losses in by-elections in 2022. They lost Birmingham Erdington, but won the Wakefield by-election.
2022: Religious Beliefs and Practices
Keir Starmer identifies as an atheist, opting for a "solemn affirmation" instead of a religious oath when assuming office. While not believing in God, he acknowledges the unifying power of faith. He occasionally attends a liberal synagogue with his family. In a 2022 interview, Starmer stated that his children are being raised to understand their Jewish faith and heritage, inherited from their maternal grandparents.
2022: Starmer Endorses Constitutional Reform Report
In 2022, Keir Starmer endorsed a report advocating for constitutional reforms in the UK. Commissioned upon his becoming Labour leader, the report recommended significant changes, including the abolition of the House of Lords, increased powers for local councils and mayors, and greater devolution of power to the nations within the United Kingdom.
2022: False Accusations Regarding the Jimmy Savile Case
In 2022, Boris Johnson falsely blamed Keir Starmer for the lack of prosecution of Jimmy Savile. Starmer was DPP prior to Savile's death but was not involved in the decision.
2022: Starmer Shifts Away from Some Socialist Policies
By 2022, Keir Starmer had stepped back from several socialist policies he had advocated for during his leadership campaign. These included pledges to nationalize water and energy, eliminate tuition fees, and maintain free movement within the EU. This move drew criticism from some quarters of the party.
February 2023: Starmer Unveils 'Five National Missions' for Labour Party
In February 2023, Keir Starmer introduced 'five national missions' intended to form the bedrock of Labour's manifesto for the 2024 general election. These missions include achieving the highest sustained growth in the G7 by the conclusion of his first term, making the UK a "clean energy superpower" with zero-carbon electricity by 2030, implementing reforms in health and care, enhancing the justice system, and removing barriers to opportunity through education and childcare improvements.
February 2023: EHRC Ends Monitoring of Labour Party Following Antisemitism Reforms
In February 2023, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) discontinued its monitoring of the Labour Party. This decision came as a result of the antisemitism reforms implemented under Keir Starmer's leadership.
April 2023: Starmerism: Critique of the British State and Modern Supply-Side Economics
In an April 2023 interview with The Economist, Keir Starmer provided insights into his political philosophy, dubbed "Starmerism." The interview highlighted two core tenets: a critique of the British state as overly centralized and ineffective, and an adherence to "modern supply-side economics." Starmer proposed addressing the former through a governance model based on five key missions that would guide all government policy over two terms. The latter focused on boosting economic productivity by increasing labor market participation, reforming public services, expanding state intervention, mitigating Brexit's impact, and simplifying construction planning processes.
May 2023: Starmer's Vision for Labour and Government
On May 13, 2023, Keir Starmer articulated his vision for the Labour Party and government. He characterized Labour as "deeply patriotic" and praised former leaders Clement Attlee, Harold Wilson, and Tony Blair for their focus on "working people's concerns." Starmer advocated for a government founded on "security, prosperity, and respect."
June 2023: Defining "Starmerism"
In June 2023, during an interview with Time magazine, Keir Starmer was asked to define "Starmerism," a term coined to encapsulate his political ideology. Initially perceived as belonging to the Labour Party's soft left, Starmer's views had shifted towards the political center ground, prompting efforts to articulate his distinct political approach.
September 2023: Starmer Conducts Final Shadow Cabinet Reshuffle
In September 2023, Keir Starmer undertook his final reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet. The reshuffle was widely perceived in the media as consolidating Blairite influence within the party and sidelining MPs associated with the soft left.
October 2023: Starmer's Stance on Israel-Hamas War Sparks Controversy and Resignations
Keir Starmer's position on the Israel-Hamas war, particularly his comments regarding Israel's right to cut off essential supplies to Gaza, sparked significant controversy. His statements led to criticism and resignations from within the Labour Party, with 50 councillors stepping down by November 2023 in protest of his stance.
November 2023: Starmer Faces Rebellion Over Gaza Ceasefire Vote
In a significant rebellion within the Labour Party, 56 MPs, including 10 frontbenchers, defied a three-line whip in November 2023 to vote in favor of a motion supporting an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The motion, proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP), led to the dismissal of the 10 frontbenchers, including eight shadow ministers, who defied Starmer's stance.
December 2023: Starmer Shifts Stance, Calls for 'Sustainable Ceasefire' in Gaza
Following a similar shift by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Keir Starmer modified his position on the Gaza conflict in December 2023. He expressed support for a "sustainable ceasefire," marking a departure from his previous stance.
2023: Keir Starmer sets out five missions for government
In 2023, Keir Starmer outlined five key areas of focus for his potential government: economic growth, health, clean energy, crime, and education.
2023: Starmer Addresses Criticism of Policy Shifts
In 2023, Keir Starmer responded to criticism regarding his shift away from certain socialist policies. He maintained that these policies remained "important statements of value and principle" but argued that unforeseen circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the economic crisis following the 2022 mini-budget, necessitated adaptations to these pledges.
2023: Significant Gains in Local Elections
The 2023 local elections marked a turning point for Labour under Starmer's leadership. The party gained over 500 councillors and 22 councils, becoming the majority in local government for the first time since 2002.
February 2024: Starmer Calls for Immediate and Lasting Ceasefire in Gaza
In February 2024, Keir Starmer issued a call for an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. This statement represented a further development of his position on the conflict, having previously resisted calls for a ceasefire.
June 2024: Key Pledges in Labour's "Change" Manifesto
The "Change" manifesto, released in June 2024, outlined Labour's commitment to economic growth, planning reforms, infrastructure development, clean energy, healthcare improvements, education reform, enhanced childcare support, and strengthened workers' rights. Key pledges included creating a publicly owned energy company, implementing a "Green Prosperity Plan," reducing NHS waiting times, renationalizing the railway network, and introducing "pro-business and pro-worker" policies. The manifesto also proposed lowering the voting age to 16, reforming the House of Lords, and using taxes levied on private schools to improve state education.
June 2024: Labour Manifesto Launch
On June 13, 2024, Keir Starmer launched the Labour Party's manifesto titled "Change." The manifesto outlined the party's vision and key policy proposals focusing on various areas like economic growth, planning reforms, infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, education, childcare, and workers' rights.
June 2024: Re-election as Labour Candidate for Holborn and St Pancras
In June 2024, Keir Starmer was re-elected as the Labour candidate for Holborn and St Pancras.
June 2024: Residency in Kentish Town
As of June 2024, Keir Starmer and his family reside in Kentish Town, north London.
July 2024: Appointment as Prime Minister
Following his party's victory in the general election, Keir Starmer was appointed Prime Minister by King Charles III on July 5, 2024. This made him the first Labour Prime Minister since Gordon Brown and the first to win a general election since Tony Blair. After leaving Buckingham Palace, he addressed a crowd of supporters outside 10 Downing Street. In his speech, he paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging Sunak's accomplishment as the first British Asian Prime Minister.
July 2024: Landslide Victory in General Election
In July 2024, Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a resounding victory in the general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. The Labour Party became the majority in the House of Commons. In his victory speech, Starmer thanked party members, acknowledging their efforts in revitalizing Labour during a period of Conservative dominance. He emphasized the challenges ahead while promising his government would strive for "national renewal."
July 2024: Keir Starmer becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
In July 2024, Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to victory in the general election and became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
2024: Continued Success in Local Elections
The Labour Party, led by Starmer, continued its winning streak in the 2024 local elections, securing victories including the West Midlands mayoral election.
2024: Labour Party to Contest 2024 General Election with 'Five National Missions'
The Labour Party, under Keir Starmer's leadership, is set to contest the 2024 general election with 'five national missions' at the heart of its campaign. These missions are aimed at addressing key issues such as economic growth, clean energy, health and care, the justice system, and education.
2024: Labour Manifesto Outlines Reforms to House of Lords
The Labour Party's 2024 election manifesto, titled 'Change', outlined plans for reforms to the House of Lords, stopping short of complete abolition. The proposed changes included removing remaining hereditary peers, establishing a mandatory retirement age of 80 for members, and initiating consultations on replacing the House of Lords with a more representative body.
2024: Personal Life and Family
Keir Starmer follows a pescatarian diet, while his wife is a vegetarian. They raised their children as vegetarians until the age of 10, allowing them to choose whether or not to eat meat. In a 2024 general election interview, Starmer expressed concerns about the potential impact of becoming Prime Minister on his children, given their "difficult ages." He also mentioned in a radio interview that he would prioritize Shabbat dinners with his family by avoiding work after 6 pm on Fridays.
2024: Reflection on the 2019 General Election
In 2024, Keir Starmer expressed certainty that Labour would lose the 2019 general election.
2024: Corbyn Expelled from Labour Party
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was expelled from the Labour Party after standing as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election for Islington North.
2030: Starmer Sets Target for UK to Become 'Clean Energy Superpower'
Keir Starmer has set an ambitious target for the UK to achieve zero-carbon electricity and become a "clean energy superpower" by 2030. This goal is part of his 'five national missions' plan for the Labour Party.