History of Keir Starmer in Timeline

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.

1984: Reference to the Ridley Plan

Starmer referenced the special emergency powers which were first used 40 years ago under the Ridley Plan, to tackle striking miners in 1984 and 1985.

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.

1985: Reference to the Ridley Plan

Starmer referenced the special emergency powers which were first used 40 years ago under the Ridley Plan, to tackle striking miners in 1984 and 1985.

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: Editor of Socialist Alternatives

In 1986, Keir Starmer served as the editor of Socialist Alternatives, a Trotskyist radical magazine.

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.

1987: Became a barrister

In 1987, Keir Starmer became a barrister at the Middle Temple.

1987: Editor of Socialist Alternatives

In 1987, Keir Starmer served as the editor of Socialist Alternatives, a Trotskyist radical magazine.

1990: Served as a legal officer for Liberty

In 1990, Keir Starmer served as a legal officer for the campaign group Liberty until 1990, and became a member of Doughty Street Chambers.

1999: Junior Barrister on Lee Clegg's appeal

In 1999, Keir Starmer was a junior barrister on Lee Clegg's appeal.

April 2002: Appointed Queen's Counsel

On April 9, 2002, Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel at the age of 39.

2002: Joined Death Penalty Advisory Panel

In 2002, Keir Starmer joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Death Penalty Advisory Panel and also served as a human rights advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

2002: Appointed Queen's Counsel

In 2002, Keir Starmer was appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel).

2002: Largest Party in Local Government

In 2002, Labour became the largest party in local government for the first time

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.

2005: Labour Largest Party in England

In 2005, Labour became the largest in England

2005: Received Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award

In 2005, Starmer received the Bar Council's Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award for his outstanding contribution to pro bono work in challenging the death penalty.

May 2007: Marriage to Victoria Alexander

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

July 2008: Named Head of the Crown Prosecution Service

In July 2008, Keir Starmer was named the new Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) by Patricia Scotland, succeeding Ken Macdonald.

November 2008: Succeeded Ken Macdonald as DPP

On 1 November 2008, Keir Starmer officially took over as the Head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), succeeding Ken Macdonald.

2008: Became Director of Public Prosecutions

In 2008, Keir Starmer became the Director of Public Prosecutions, a key role in the legal system.

2008: End of service in the Death Penalty Advisory Panel

In 2008, Keir Starmer completed his service as a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Death Penalty Advisory Panel.

2009: Became a bencher

In 2009, Keir Starmer became a bencher at the Middle Temple.

February 2010: Announced Prosecution of MPs

In February 2010, Keir Starmer, as the Director of Public Prosecutions, announced the CPS's decision to prosecute three Labour MPs and a Conservative peer for offences relating to false accounting in the aftermath of the parliamentary expenses scandal.

2010: Labour Largest Party in Scotland

In 2010, Labour became the largest in Scotland

2010: Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 defined a woman as a biological woman.

2011: Awarded Honorary Degrees

Between 2011 and 2014, Keir Starmer was awarded several honorary degrees.

2011: Prioritized Rapid Prosecution of Rioters

During the 2011 England riots, Keir Starmer prioritized rapid prosecutions of rioters over long sentences, which he later concluded helped bring "the situation back under control".

2011: Introduced Reforms in CPS

In 2011, Keir Starmer introduced reforms, including the "first test paperless hearing", during his time as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

February 2012: Announced Prosecution of Chris Huhne

In February 2012, Keir Starmer announced that Chris Huhne would be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice, stating that "[w]here there is sufficient evidence we do not shy away from prosecuting politicians".

2012: Controversy over Twitter Joke Trial & Savile Scandal

In 2012, Nick Cohen alleged Starmer was responsible for the "Twitter joke trial" prosecution, which the CPS denied. Also in 2012, Starmer addressed the Jimmy Savile scandal, expressing concern about why Savile's abuse had gone on for so long.

November 2013: Stepped 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.

2013: Announced Changes to Sexual Abuse Investigations

In 2013, Keir Starmer announced changes to how sexual abuse investigations were to be handled amid Operation Yewtree, including a panel to review complaints.

2013: End of Tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions

In 2013, Keir Starmer completed his tenure as the Director of Public Prosecutions, concluding his service in that role.

2013: Decision to Maintain Two-Child Benefit Cap

Keir Starmer declined to abolish the two-child benefit cap introduced in 2013, citing financial reasons.

December 2014: Selected as Labour Candidate

In December 2014, Keir Starmer was selected as the Labour parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.

2014: Represented Croatia at the International Court of Justice

In 2014, Keir Starmer represented Croatia at the genocide hearings before the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

2014: Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath

In 2014, Keir Starmer was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath for services to law and criminal justice, recognizing his contributions to the field.

2014: Knighted in the New Year Honours

In the 2014 New Year Honours, Keir Starmer was knighted and appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) for services to law and criminal justice.

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.

2015: Urged to Stand in Labour Leadership Election

Following Ed Miliband's resignation in 2015, Keir Starmer was urged by activists to stand in the Labour Party leadership election but ruled it out, supporting Andy Burnham instead.

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.

2015: Elected as MP for Holborn and St Pancras

In 2015, Keir Starmer was elected as 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, marking his entry into national politics.

June 2016: Resigned from Shadow Cabinet

In June 2016, Keir Starmer resigned from his role as Shadow Home Office Minister as part of widespread Shadow Cabinet resignations protesting 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.

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.

July 2017: Sworn of the Privy Council

On 19 July 2017, Keir Starmer was sworn of the Privy Council, according him the honorific prefix of "the Right Honourable".

2017: Re-elected as MP

Keir Starmer was re-elected as MP for Holborn and St Pancras in the 2017 general election with an increased majority.

December 2019: Gifts, Benefits, and Hospitality Received Since December 2019

In September 2024, it was reported that Keir Starmer had received £107,145 in gifts, benefits, and hospitality since December 2019, which was two-and-a-half times more than any other MP.

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.

2019: Corbyn Announces Resignation Plans

Following defeat at the 2019 general election, Jeremy Corbyn announced that he would not lead Labour at the next general election. Starmer began to distance himself from Corbyn's leadership.

2019: Re-elected as MP with Reduced Majority

Keir Starmer was re-elected at the 2019 general election with a reduced majority for Holborn and St Pancras.

January 2020: Announced Candidacy for Labour Leadership

On 4 January 2020, Keir Starmer announced his candidacy for the Labour leadership election.

April 2020: Elected as Leader of the Labour Party

On 4 April 2020, Keir Starmer was declared the winner of Labour's leadership contest, defeating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy with 56.2 per cent of the vote.

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.

2020: Became Leader of the Labour Party

In 2020, Keir Starmer became the Leader of the Labour Party, assuming a prominent leadership role within the party.

2020: Labour Party leadership election

In 2020, Keir Starmer won the Labour Party leadership election on a left-leaning platform. After winning, many of the pledges made were abandoned or changed, with Starmer citing changing economic circumstances as the reason.

March 2021: Calls for longer sentences for rape and sexual violence

In March 2021, following the murder of Sarah Everard, Starmer called for longer sentences for rape and sexual violence, and pledged to reduce crime.

May 2021: Shadow Cabinet Reshuffle

Keir Starmer reshuffled his Shadow Cabinet for the first time in May 2021.

November 2021: Second Shadow Cabinet Reshuffle

Keir Starmer conducted his second Shadow Cabinet reshuffle in November 2021.

2021: Considered Resigning After Local Elections

Following Labour's mixed results in the 2021 local elections, Keir Starmer considered resigning as leader but ultimately decided to stay on.

2021: Hartlepool By-Election Loss

In 2021, Keir Starmer's party suffered the loss of a previously safe Labour seat at the Hartlepool by-election.

May 2022: Pledged to Resign Over COVID-19 Breach

In May 2022, Keir Starmer stated he would resign if he received a fixed penalty notice for breaching COVID-19 regulations during campaigning, in an event known as "beergate".

July 2022: Proposed Vote of No Confidence in Government

Amidst resignations from Boris Johnson's government in July 2022, Keir Starmer proposed a vote of no confidence in the Government and criticized Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

July 2022: Cleared in 'Beergate' Investigation

In July 2022, Durham Police cleared Keir Starmer in the "beergate" investigation, stating that he had "no case to answer".

August 2022: Found to Have Breached 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 by failing to register interests on eight occasions.

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.

2022: Gordon Brown's report on British constitutional reforms published

In 2022, a report by Gordon Brown recommending the abolition of the House of Lords, extending greater powers to local councils and mayors, and deeper devolution to the countries of the United Kingdom was published. The report was endorsed and promoted by Starmer.

February 2023: Antisemitism Reforms Result in End of EHRC Monitoring

In February 2023, Keir Starmer's antisemitism reforms resulted in the Labour Party no longer being monitored by the EHRC.

April 2023: Interview with The Economist

In April 2023, Keir Starmer gave an interview to The Economist defining "Starmerism". Two main strands were identified: a critique of the British state and an economic policy of "modern supply-side economics".

May 2023: Speech in May 2023

In May 2023, Starmer gave a speech where he stated: [Details of the speech content were omitted from the provided text].

June 2023: Interview with Time

In June 2023, Keir Starmer gave an interview to Time where he defined "Starmerism" as fixing the economy, solving climate change, reforming public services, and ensuring safety.

September 2023: Third Shadow Cabinet Reshuffle

Keir Starmer carried out his third Shadow Cabinet reshuffle in September 2023, reducing the representation of the left and soft left.

October 2023: Controversial Comment on Cutting Off Power and Water from Gaza

In October 2023, Starmer said Israel had the right to cut off power and water from Gaza, but backtracked days later after significant controversy within his party.

December 2023: Used Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Clement Attlee as examples of how politicians can effect meaningful change

In December 2023, Starmer used Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Clement Attlee, as examples of how politicians can effect "meaningful change" by acting "in service of the British people, rather than dictating to them".

2023: Labour Gained Councillors and Councils

During the 2023 local elections, Labour gained more than 500 councillors and 22 councils, becoming the largest party in local government for the first time since 2002.

2023: Labour party made significant gains in local elections

In 2023, Labour party made significant gains in local elections under Keir Starmer's leadership.

2023: Continuation of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill

In 2023, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which had been abandoned when the election was called, was included in the proposals put forth by the Labour government.

February 2024: Call for Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

Keir Starmer has pledged support for Israel in the Gaza war, and has also called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip since February 2024.

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.

June 2024: Pledged to reduce legal immigration

In June 2024 Starmer pledged to reduce the record high level of legal immigration to the UK, by improving training and skills for British workers.

June 2024: Released Labour Party's 2024 Manifesto

In June 2024, Keir Starmer released the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, "Change", focusing on economic growth, planning system reforms, and various other policy areas. The manifesto pledged a new publicly owned energy company (Great British Energy), a "Green Prosperity Plan", and renationalisation of the railway network (Great British Railways).

July 2024: General Election Date

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

July 2024: Assurance to Israeli Prime Minister

In July 2024 Starmer assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that HMG would continue its "vital cooperation to deter malign threats" with Israel.

July 2024: Statement to PinkNews ahead of the 2024 election

In July 2024, ahead of the 2024 election, Starmer stated to PinkNews that the Labour Party supported LGBT rights.

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.

July 2024: Congratulations from President Biden

In July 2024, following the 2024 general election, US President Joe Biden congratulated Starmer on "a hell of a victory". Starmer and Biden discussed their shared commitment to the Special Relationship between the US and the UK, as well as their mutual support of Ukraine.

July 2024: Withdrawal of Whip from MPs over Benefit Cap Vote

On 23 July 2024, Labour withdrew the whip from seven of its MPs who supported an amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Starmer also launched a Child Poverty Taskforce to address child poverty.

July 2024: Appointed Prime Minister

On 5 July 2024, Keir Starmer was appointed prime minister, First Lord of the Treasury, and Minister for the Civil Service by King Charles III, marking the first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown in 2010 and the first to win a general election since Tony Blair in 2005. He took a walkabout in Downing Street to meet the cheering crowds.

July 2024: Attended 2024 NATO Summit

The first overseas meeting Starmer attended as prime minister was the 2024 NATO summit held in Washington from 9 to 11 July 2024. On the flight to the summit, Starmer laid out a "cast iron" commitment to increase defence spending to the NATO target of 2.5 per cent of GDP.

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 with German Chancellor

On 27 August 2024, 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: Criticism for Accepting Gifts

In September 2024, Keir Starmer and senior government ministers faced criticism for accepting gifts from Labour donors. Starmer also faced accusations of breaking parliamentary rules by not declaring £5,000 worth of clothes bought for his wife by Labour donor Lord Alli.

September 2024: Meeting with Donald Trump

In September 2024, during a visit to New York City to address the UN General Assembly, Starmer met Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump at Trump Tower. Following the meeting, Starmer said it was "good" to have met with Trump and that the meeting was an opportunity for both Trump and Starmer to establish a working relationship.

September 2024: NHS Funding Conditioned on Reform

On 11 September 2024, Keir Starmer pledged that there would be no more money for the NHS without reform, following a report stating that the NHS in England was in a critical condition.

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.

September 2024: Suspension of British Arms Sales to Israel

Under Starmer's premiership, the licences of some British arms sales to Israel were suspended in September 2024 because of a "clear risk" that the weapons could be used in violation of international law.

October 2024: Enhancement of Employment Regulations and Investment Summit

In October 2024, the government implemented a significant enhancement of employment regulations, including an increase in minimum wages and new rights for employees. Additionally, billions worth of investments in emerging growth sectors and infrastructure were unveiled at the government's inaugural International Investment Summit on 14 October 2024.

October 2024: Rachel Reeves Presents the Budget

On 30 October 2024, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the October 2024 budget to the House of Commons. It covered Labour's fiscal plans, with a focus on investment, healthcare, education, childcare, sustainable energy, transport, and worker's rights enrichment. The National Minimum Wage is set to increase by 6.7 per cent (reaching £12.21 per hour).

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.

2024: Became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

In 2024, Keir Starmer became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

2024: Led Labour to victory in the General Election

In 2024, Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide victory at the general election, ending fourteen years of Conservative Party government.

2024: Domestic Priorities

In 2024, Keir Starmer outlined his primary domestic concerns as economic growth, reforming the planning system, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, childcare, and strengthening workers' rights, as set out in Labour's 2024 election manifesto.

2024: Revealed Concerns About 2019 Election

In 2024, Keir Starmer revealed that he was "certain that we would lose the 2019 election", distancing himself from Corbyn's leadership.

2024: Labour Party made significant gains in local elections

In 2024, the Labour Party made significant gains in local elections, further solidifying its position.

2024: State Opening of Parliament

In 2024, the State Opening of Parliament outlined 39 bills that Labour proposed to introduce, including ones to renationalise the railways, bring local bus services under local public control, strengthen the rights of workers, tackle illegal immigration, reform the House of Lords, and undertake a programme to speed up the delivery of "high quality infrastructure" and housing.

2024: Re-elected as MP with Further Reduced Majority

Keir Starmer was re-elected as MP at the 2024 general election with a further reduced majority for Holborn and St Pancras.

2024: Further Gains at Local Elections

Labour made further gains at the 2024 local elections, gaining from the Conservatives at the Blackpool South by-election and narrowly winning the West Midlands mayoral election.

2024: Labour's election manifesto committed to the removal of the remaining hereditary peers

Labour's 2024 election manifesto committed to the removal of the remaining hereditary peers from the chamber, setting a mandatory retirement age of 80, and beginning a consultation on replacing the Lords with a "more representative" body.

2024: Drop in Party Membership

More than 20,000 members left the Labour party within two months in 2024.

February 2025: Meeting with President Trump at the White House

In February 2025, Starmer met with President Trump at the White House to discuss continued support to Ukraine and a potential peace deal. They additionally discussed a potential trade deal. He also presented a hand written letter from King Charles III inviting the President to a historic second state visit to the UK.

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.

March 2025: Plan to Abolish NHS England

In March 2025, Keir Starmer, alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting, announced a two-year plan to abolish NHS England, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for more effective purposes within the service.

April 2025: Statement following the Supreme Court decision

Following the Supreme Court decision of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers on 16 April 2025, Starmer stated that he no longer believed that transgender women could be considered women.

2025: Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people

In 2025, Time magazine listed Keir Starmer as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

2025: Fiscal Plans for Housing Investment

The government plans to allocate £5 billion for housing investment in the fiscal year 2025–26, with a focus on enhancing the availability of affordable housing.