Change Begins Now! 8 Things to Know About UKs New PM Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer shines bright for Labour

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, has been a prominent figure in UK politics for several years. Here are seven key things to know about him as he steps into the role of Prime Minister.

Legal Background

Before entering politics, Keir Starmer had a distinguished legal career. He was a barrister and later served as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013. During his tenure as DPP, he was known for his work on human rights and justice reforms.

Political Ascent

Starmer became an MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015. His rise within the Labour Party was rapid, and he held several key positions, including Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, before becoming party leader in April 2020.

Brexit Stance

Keir Starmer played a crucial role in the Brexit debates. As Shadow Brexit Secretary, he was a vocal advocate for a second referendum and sought to ensure the UK remained closely aligned with the EU. His stance on Brexit has been a defining feature of his political career.

Leadership Style

Starmer is known for his calm, measured approach to leadership. He emphasizes evidence-based policies and often draws on his legal background to make arguments. His style contrasts with the more populist and confrontational approaches seen in recent UK politics.

Policy Priorities

As Prime Minister, Starmers key policy priorities include tackling economic inequality, strengthening the NHS, addressing climate change, and improving education. He has promised to rebuild trust in politics and focus on social justice.

Personal Life

Keir Starmer was born in Southwark, London, in 1962. He studied law at the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford. He is married to Victoria Starmer, a solicitor, and they have two children. Starmer is known for keeping his personal life relatively private.

Challenges Ahead

As he takes office, Starmer faces significant challenges, including managing the UKs post-Brexit relationship with the EU, addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and uniting a politically divided country. His ability to navigate these issues will be crucial to his success as Prime Minister.