Since taking over as leader from the left-leaning Jeremy Corbyn in April 2020, Starmer has been praised for steering his party towards the political centre and eradicating anti-Semitism within its ranks. His supporters view him as a pragmatic and reliable leader, well-equipped to guide Britain out of its economic downturn.
However, his detractors argue that he lacks charisma and has been indecisive, failing to articulate a clear vision for the nation during a cautious campaign.
Who is Keir Starmar?
Born in 1963 to a working-class family in Surrey, Starmer’s upbringing was marked by the hardships his family encountered. His father, a toolmaker, had a distant relationship with him, while his mother, a nurse, struggled with a chronic illness. Starmer’s unusual first name was chosen by his socialist parents as a tribute to Keir Hardie, the founding father of the Labour Party.
Starmer’s legal career spanned over three decades, during which he focused on human rights cases, advocating for prisoners facing the death penalty in the Caribbean and Africa. He also provided pro bono services to activists who criticized McDonald’s environmental claims, further solidifying his reputation as a champion of justice. Starmer was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to criminal justice, although he seldom uses the title “Sir” before his name.
Starmer’s entry into politics came relatively late, at the age of 52, when he was elected as a member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015. His reputation as a skilled lawyer paved the way for his political ascent, and he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as the shadow Brexit secretary under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Starmer’s key policy promises reflect his pragmatic approach. In healthcare, he proposes to reduce NHS waiting lists by increasing weekly appointments, funded by tackling tax avoidance and closing loopholes.
On immigration, he plans to establish a “border security command” to combat smuggling operations facilitating small boat crossings. In the housing sector, Starmer aims to boost first-time buyers by introducing a scheme that gives them priority access to new housing developments, while also promising to reform planning laws to deliver 1.5 million new homes.
Education is another priority, with Starmer pledging to recruit 6,500 teachers and fund their salaries by ending tax breaks for private schools.