Who Is Keir Starmer, Set to Become the Next UK Prime Minister: 10 Key Facts About the Labour Party Leader

Keir Starmer Poised to Become Prime Minister

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is on the verge of becoming the UK’s next prime minister. On Friday, he expressed his gratitude to voters, highlighting the country’s desire for change and a move away from performative politics, following an exit poll that predicted a landslide victory for Labour in the general election.

Commitment to Serve All Citizens

In his victory speech after winning the Holborn and St Pancras seat, Starmer, 61, pledged to serve every constituent, regardless of their vote. His address came after Britons decisively voted to end 14 years of Conservative governance, resulting in a sweeping victory for Labour.

2024 UK Election Predictions

According to exit polls, Labour is projected to win up to 410 seats, significantly surpassing the required 326 for a majority and achieving a 170-seat advantage. The incumbent Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is predicted to secure just 131 seats. Early results showed Labour with 184 seats, Conservatives with 32, Liberal Democrats with 23, Scottish National Party with 3, and others with 11.

Profile of Keir Starmer

Knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to law and criminal justice, Keir Starmer transitioned from a distinguished legal career to politics. He was first elected as a Labour MP for London in 2015. At 61, he is credited with revitalizing the party from one of its worst performances in the 2019 general election to the brink of forming a government.

Starmer also focused on rebuilding Labour’s relationship with the Indian diaspora, which had felt alienated under former leader Jeremy Corbyn’s perceived anti-India stance on Kashmir.

Background and Personal Life Born in London to a toolmaker father and an NHS nurse mother, Starmer was raised in Oxted, Surrey. He attributes his determination to his mother and his strong work ethic to his father, Rodney, whose manual labor inspired Starmer’s vision for respect for hardworking individuals.

As a new MP in 2016, Starmer, a firm opponent of Brexit, became the shadow Brexit secretary under then-leader Jeremy Corbyn, advocating for the Labour Party’s future. He is married to Victoria, an NHS employee, and they have two children. Last year, Starmer emphasized the importance of a strong relationship with India based on global, climate, and economic security.