Who is Keir Starmer?
Keir Starmer’s career from barrister and Director of Public Prosecutions to Labour leader and Prime Minister, how his premiership ended, and what he has said he will do next.
Sir Keir Starmer was Labour leader from 2020 to 2026 and Prime Minister from 5 July 2024 to 20 July 2026. He stood down after heavy Labour losses at the May 2026 elections, and Andy Burnham succeeded him.
Before politics he was a barrister and Director of Public Prosecutions. He was MP for Holborn and St Pancras from 2015 until 1 September 2026, and is no longer in Parliament.
Career before Parliament
Born in London in 1962, Starmer went to Reigate Grammar School and studied law at the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford.
He was called to the Bar in 1987 and practised mainly in criminal defence and human rights, from 1990 at Doughty Street Chambers. He became a QC in 2002 and advised the Northern Ireland Policing Board on human rights.
From November 2008 to October 2013 he was Director of Public Prosecutions, heading the Crown Prosecution Service. He was knighted in 2014 for services to criminal justice (GOV.UK).
In Parliament and as Labour leader
Starmer was elected MP for Holborn and St Pancras in May 2015 and re-elected in 2017, 2019 and 2024. Under Jeremy Corbyn he was a shadow Home Office minister. From October 2016 to April 2020 he was Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union.
He was elected Labour leader on 4 April 2020, with 56.2% of the vote in the first round, succeeding Corbyn. He was Leader of the Opposition until the 2024 general election.
As Prime Minister
Labour won 411 of the 650 seats at the general election on 4 July 2024, after 14 years of Conservative-led government. Starmer became Prime Minister the next day.
His government’s legislation included:
- the Great British Energy Act 2025, which provides for Great British Energy, a company wholly owned by the Crown
- the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which changes the law on rented homes and provides for abolishing assured shorthold tenancies
- the Employment Rights Act 2025, which amends the law on employment rights
Abroad, his government:
- agreed an Economic Prosperity Deal with the United States on 8 May 2025
- held the first UK–EU summit, in London on 19 May 2025, which agreed a new strategic partnership
- signed a trade agreement with India on 24 July 2025, in force since 15 July 2026
- formally recognised the State of Palestine on 21 September 2025
From March 2025 he convened a “coalition of the willing” of countries backing a lasting peace in Ukraine. He co-chaired its meetings with President Macron of France.
How his premiership ended
Labour lost heavily at the elections on 7 May 2026. In Wales it lost power for the first time since devolution, and at Holyrood it finished joint second with Reform UK.
Andy Burnham returned to the Commons at the Makerfield by-election on 18 June 2026. On 22 June Starmer announced he would stand down as Labour leader, staying on as Prime Minister until a successor was chosen.
Burnham was the only candidate and was declared leader on 17 July. Starmer offered his resignation to the King on 20 July, and Burnham became Prime Minister the same day.
Leaving the Commons
On 1 September 2026 Starmer announced he would stand down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. The same day, the Chancellor appointed him Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern, which ended his membership of the Commons.
Labour held the seat at the by-election on 8 October 2026, which Sagal Abdi-Wali won.
What he has said he will do next
Starmer said he would focus on “international affairs including defence, security, trade and technology”, and keep working on tackling violence against women and girls. As of mid-October 2026, no new role has been announced.
For two years after leaving office, a former minister must seek advice on new jobs under the Business Appointment Rules. The advice is published on GOV.UK once an appointment is announced or taken up.
Common questions
Is Keir Starmer still an MP? No. He left the Commons on 1 September 2026, and Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on 8 October 2026.
Who replaced Keir Starmer as Prime Minister? Andy Burnham. He was declared Labour leader unopposed on 17 July 2026 and became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026.
Why did Keir Starmer resign? He announced on 22 June 2026 that he would stand down as Labour leader. It followed heavy Labour losses at the May 2026 elections and growing pressure within his party.
How long was Keir Starmer Prime Minister? Just over two years, from 5 July 2024 to 20 July 2026.
What is Keir Starmer doing now? He has said he will focus on international affairs, including defence, security, trade and technology, and on tackling violence against women and girls. As of mid-October 2026, no new role has been announced.
