Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister on 5 July 2024.
He was elected as the member for Holborn and St Pancras in May 2015. He was elected leader of the Labour Party in April 2020.
UK Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the leader of His Majesty’s Government and is ultimately responsible for the policy and decisions of the government.
As leader of the UK government the Prime Minister also:
- oversees the operation of the Civil Service and government agencies
- chooses members of the government
- is the principal government figure in the House of Commons
Cabinet Office and Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
UK Prime Minister, The First Lord of the Treasury
The First Lord of the Treasury is one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. This role is usually held by the Prime Minister.
https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/prime-minister
Since the 17th century, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have collectively carried out duties that were previously held by the Lord High Treasurer (head of His Majesty’s Treasury).
The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury also include:
- the Second Lord of the Treasury – the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has most of the fLabour Partyunctional financial responsibilities
- Junior Lords Commissioners of the Treasury – other members of the government, usually government whips in the House of Commons
10 Downing Street is the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury, and not of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Office and Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
Keir Starmer is a husband, father, and former Chief Prosecutor. His entire career has been about securing justice for those that need it.
From representing people on death row as a human rights lawyer, to working on setting up the Northern Ireland Police Board in the wake of the Good Friday agreement, to making the law work for victims as Chief Prosecutor.
He was elected leader of the Labour Party in 2020 to continue this work.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Early Life: From Oxted to Parliament
Keir Starmer grew up in Oxted, a small town in Surrey. His father worked as a factory toolmaker, while his mother served as a devoted NHS nurse.
However, life at home brought many challenges. His mother suffered from a rare and serious illness throughout her life. As a result, Keir spent much of his childhood in hospitals, watching his father support her with unwavering care.
Yet, he drew strength from adversity. His mother’s courage and determination deeply inspired him. Because of this, Keir developed a strong respect and lasting gratitude for the NHS.
Academic Journey and First Achievements
As he grew older, Keir focused on his education. He studied hard and passed the 11-plus exam. Consequently, he earned a place at a local grammar school. At 18, he achieved another milestone—he was accepted to Leeds University to study law. Notably, he became the first in his family to attend university.
A Lifelong Love for Football
Alongside academics, Keir nurtured a passion for football. Even today, he plays every Sunday with friends. He jokingly refers to himself as a “box-to-box midfield general,” though his teammates might disagree. A loyal Arsenal fan, Keir holds a season ticket at the Emirates Stadium. He frequently attends matches with his children.
Core Values That Shape His Politics
Ultimately, Keir Starmer’s early experiences taught him resilience, discipline, and empathy. These core values continue to guide his political life and leadership style today.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Legal and Political Journey: From Barrister to Parliament
Keir Starmer qualified as a lawyer in 1987. He immediately began his legal career as a barrister. From the start, he dedicated his work to defending ordinary people. He often stood against powerful institutions, offering free legal advice and challenging corporate giants like Shell and McDonald’s.
Moreover, Keir worked closely with the National Union of Mineworkers. He supported their battle against the Conservative government’s pit closures, showing his commitment to workers’ rights.
Role in Northern Ireland Peace Process
After this, Keir took on a critical role as legal advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. He served for five years. During this time, his legal work helped bring communities together in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement.
It was also during this period that Keir met Victoria, who now works for the NHS. They married in 2007 and have two children.
Leadership at the Crown Prosecution Service
In 2008, Keir became Director of Public Prosecutions. He led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and oversaw thousands of employees. Despite widespread public service cuts, Keir reformed the CPS. He ensured it continued to deliver the justice that citizens rightfully expect.
Notably, he led several landmark cases. He played a key role in securing justice for Stephen Lawrence’s murder. He also updated legal guidance to support victims of sexual and domestic violence. Additionally, he prosecuted MPs who misused their expenses.
Recognition and Transition into Politics
As a result of his service to criminal justice, Keir received a knighthood in 2014. He proudly invited his parents to Buckingham Palace for the ceremony—and they even brought the family dog.
Later, driven by his strong sense of fairness, Keir entered politics. Voters elected him to Parliament in 2015 at the age of 52. He now represents Holborn and St Pancras, a community where he and his family have lived for many years.
Parliamentary Roles and Responsibilities
Soon after entering Parliament, Keir took on major roles. From 2015 to 2016, he served as Shadow Immigration Minister. Then, from 2016 to 2020, he became the Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. In each role, he remained focused on justice, fairness, and unity.
In April 2020, Keir was elected as Leader of the Labour Party.
https://labour.org.uk/people/keir-starmer/
21st century
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak
- 2022 to 2024
The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss
- 2022 to 2022
The Rt Hon Boris Johnson
- 2019 to 2022
- Conservative 2016 to 2019
