Sir Keir Starmer has announced his forthcoming departure as Prime Minister and Labour leader, ending a tenure that began with a landslide victory and ended with electoral defeat and controversy.
Landslide Victory and Early Days
Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, became Prime Minister on July 5 2024 after the Labour Party won more than 400 seats at the general election, securing a huge 174-seat majority. He was welcomed by the King at Buckingham Palace and entered No 10 Downing Street with his wife Victoria Starmer.
Policy U-Turns and Controversies
Despite the large majority, his tenure was marked by a succession of high-profile policy U-turns, from welfare reform to digital ID. The appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US proved a major source of controversy. The impact of conflict in the Middle East added to the difficulties of the Prime Minister.
Electoral Defeat and Departure
Labour’s disastrous showing in the May elections for local councils in England, the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd in Wales was the final nail in Sir Keir’s coffin. He announced his departure shortly after.
Key Moments in Pictures
Sir Keir was pictured speaking outside No 10 for the first time, attending the TUC congress, rehearsing his Labour Party Conference speech, and working on a plane to the G20 summit. He also made a statement on Gaza, visited Turkey for a wreath laying ceremony, attended a Diwali ceremony in Mumbai, and was pictured with US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit and at Chequers.
