Synopsis: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's last-minute attempts to win over voters failed, leading to a historic victory for Keir Starmer's Labour Party in the UK general elections. At 61, Starmer becomes the oldest new prime minister in nearly five decades. Known for his distinguished pre-political career, Starmer has pledged to prioritize the country over party after 14 chaotic years of Conservative rule.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's final efforts to sway voters have seemingly failed, despite the Conservatives' warnings that a Labour government would lead to higher taxes.
Keir Starmer's Labour Party achieved a historic victory in the UK general elections, marking a significant shift in British politics.
Sunak's last-minute attempts to win over voters were unsuccessful, despite Conservative warnings of higher taxes under a Labour government.
"I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss," Sunak reportedly told his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
At 61, Keir Starmer will be the oldest new prime minister in nearly five decades, having been elected to parliament only nine years ago.
Who is Keir Starmer??
A father of two, Starmer is notable for his distinguished pre-political career.
"We must return politics to service," Starmer frequently stated during his campaign, pledging to prioritize the country over party after 14 chaotic years of Conservative rule under five different prime ministers.
Despite being a dedicated Arsenal fan and working to shed his reserved image, Starmer has recently appeared more at ease in public.
His supporters claim that his lack of charisma is actually reassuring after the tumultuous Tory years.
Named after Labour's founding father Keir Hardie, Starmer is also the party's most working-class leader in decades.
"My dad was a toolmaker, my mum was a nurse," he often tells voters, countering claims that he represents a liberal elite.
Starmer's decisive actions, such as purging left-wingers from the party, helped propel him to the top political office.
Yet, he is known to be humorous in private and loyal to friends.
He has committed to not working after 6:00 pm on Fridays to spend time with his family.
Born on September 2, 1962, Keir Rodney Starmer grew up in a modest home on the outskirts of London, raised by a seriously ill mother and an emotionally distant father.
His upbringing was challenging, with one sibling having learning difficulties.
A talented musician, Starmer took violin lessons with Norman Cook, who later became DJ Fatboy Slim.
After studying law at Leeds and Oxford, he championed leftist causes, defending trade unions and death row inmates abroad.
He is friends with human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, with whom he once shared a boozy lunch involving her and her husband, George Clooney.
In 2003, he surprised colleagues by taking a job ensuring police in Northern Ireland complied with human rights laws.
Five years later, he became the director of public prosecutions (DPP) for England and Wales under Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He prosecuted MPs for abusing expenses, journalists for phone-hacking, and young rioters involved in unrest.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, Starmer rarely uses the title "Sir." He entered parliament in 2015, representing a north London seat.
His mother died just weeks before he was elected.
Starmer joined a rebellion against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over his handling of the EU referendum campaign, later rejoining the leadership team as Labour's Brexit spokesman.
After Corbyn led Labour to its worst defeat since 1935, Starmer moved the party back to the center, purging Corbyn and tackling anti-Semitism.
What will Starmer bring for India??
Labour, out of power since 2010, has committed to a foreign policy of "progressive realism," acknowledging a more volatile world "as it is, not as we would want it to be," according to David Lammy, the expected foreign secretary.
The party has also vowed to "make Brexit work" and pursue "an ambitious" security pact with the European Union.
Another key element of Starmer's foreign policy agenda is strengthening UK-India relations.
Recognizing historical missteps, especially Labour's stance on issues like Kashmir, Starmer has promised to build a new strategic partnership with India.
His commitment to a free trade agreement (FTA) and enhanced cooperation in technology, security, education, and climate change highlights his aim to elevate relations with one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
In his manifesto, Starmer emphasized the importance of pursuing a "new strategic partnership" with India, with a strong focus on a trade agreement.
To mend strained ties with the Indian diaspora in the UK, Starmer has undertaken domestic outreach efforts during his campaign.
He has denounced Hinduphobia and celebrated cultural festivals like Diwali and Holi, aiming to foster greater trust and inclusion within British-Indian communities, a key demographic for Labour's electoral strategy.
In conclusion, Keir Starmer's historic victory signifies a profound change in British politics.
Despite Rishi Sunak's last-minute efforts, the Labour Party's success reflects a desire for new leadership after years of Conservative rule.
Starmer, with his working-class background and commitment to progressive realism, promises to steer the UK towards renewed domestic and international policies.
His focus on strengthening ties with India and addressing the needs of the British-Indian community highlights a strategic vision aimed at fostering inclusivity and global cooperation.
As Starmer prepares to assume office, the UK stands on the brink of significant political and social transformation.
