A Career Rooted in Pragmatism
Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, is poised to become the oldest British prime minister in nearly half a century, according to exit polls.
At 61, Starmer’s rise comes just nine years after his first election to Parliament, marking a swift ascent fuelled by a distinguished career as a human rights lawyer and public prosecutor.
Known for his relentless work ethic and methodical approach, Starmer is set to channel his skills towards fixing the country’s myriad issues.
From Lawyer to Leader
Starmer’s pre-political career sets him apart from many modern politicians. Before entering Parliament, he had a long and respected career in law, with a focus on human rights. His pragmatic views have guided his political journey, prioritising service to the country over partisan interests.
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Throughout his campaign, he emphasised the need to “return politics to service,” a mantra resonating with supporters tired of 14 years of Conservative rule and five different prime ministers, according to AFP.
A Reassuring Presence
Supporters view Starmer as a safe pair of hands, expected to bring the same seriousness and precision to Downing Street that he applied in his legal career. Critics, however, see him as an opportunist who shifts positions frequently and lacks a clear vision for the country.
Despite these criticisms, Starmer’s straightforward and dependable nature is seen by many as a refreshing change after years of chaotic Conservative governance.
Personal Life and Public Perception
Starmer, an avid Arsenal fan, has worked to shed his image as overly serious and uncharismatic. Recent efforts to appear more relaxed and approachable have shown some success. While he may not have the charisma of predecessors like Boris Johnson, his supporters argue that his straightforward demeanour is precisely what the country needs.
With his grey quiff and black-rimmed glasses, Starmer—named after Labour’s founding father Keir Hardie—also represents a working-class background. He often shares his roots with voters, emphasising that his father was a toolmaker and his mother a nurse, countering portrayals of him as part of the liberal London elite.
A Decisive Leader
Starmer’s decisive actions in purging left-wingers from the Labour Party highlight a ruthless side that has helped him rise to the top. Those close to him describe him as humorous in private and loyal to his friends.
He has pledged to maintain his practice of not working after 6:00 pm on Fridays to spend time with his wife Victoria, an NHS occupational therapist, and their two teenage children, whose names he keeps private.
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“There’s something extraordinary in him still being quite normal,” writes his biographer Tom Baldwin in the Guardian.
Early Life and Legal Career
Born on September 2, 1962, Keir Rodney Starmer grew up in a modest semi-detached house on the outskirts of London.
Raised by a seriously ill mother and an emotionally distant father, Starmer faced numerous challenges. He had three siblings, one with learning difficulties, and his parents were animal lovers who often rescued donkeys.
A talented musician, Starmer took violin lessons with Norman Cook, who later became famous as DJ Fatboy Slim. He pursued legal studies at the universities of Leeds and Oxford, dedicating himself to leftist causes, defending trade unions, anti-McDonald’s activists, and death row inmates abroad.
He developed a friendship with human rights lawyer Amal Clooney during their time at the same legal practice and once shared a lively lunch with her and her husband, actor George Clooney.
Transition to Politics
In 2003, Starmer began transitioning towards the establishment, first taking a role ensuring police in Northern Ireland complied with human rights legislation.
Five years later, he was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for England and Wales under Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
During his tenure from 2008 to 2013, Starmer oversaw the prosecution of MPs for expense abuses, journalists for phone-hacking, and young rioters involved in nationwide unrest.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, Starmer rarely uses the prefix “Sir.” He entered Parliament in 2015, representing a seat in left-leaning North London. Tragically, just weeks before his election, his mother passed away from a rare joint disease that had left her immobile for many years.
Rebellion and Leadership
A year after becoming an MP, Starmer joined a rebellion against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s perceived lack of leadership during the EU referendum campaign. Although the rebellion failed, Starmer later rejoined the leadership team as Labour’s Brexit spokesman. He succeeded Corbyn after Labour’s devastating defeat in the 2019 election, the party’s worst since 1935.
Starmer has steered Labour back to the centre ground, purging Corbyn supporters and tackling anti-Semitism within the party.
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Dominic Grieve, a former Conservative attorney-general who worked closely with Starmer, described him as “transparently decent and rational,” inspiring loyalty despite policy disagreements.
Despite criticism from the left for abandoning several leadership campaign pledges, including the abolition of university tuition fees, Starmer’s strategic repositioning of Labour underscores his lifelong drive to succeed.
“If you’re born without privilege, you don’t have time for messing around,” he once said. “You don’t walk around problems without fixing them, and you don’t surrender to the instincts of organisations that won’t face up to change.”
As Starmer prepares to potentially lead the country, his blend of pragmatism, dedication, and a touch of normalcy might just be what the UK needs.
