Keir Starmer had a successful legal career before entering politics, including serving as Director of Public Prosecutions. He became Labour leader in 2020.
Key Points
Passion for human rights and international law led to interest in politics
Graduated with a first in law and pursued a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford
Worked at Liberty and Doughty Street Chambers before becoming Queen's Counsel
Appointed Director of Public Prosecutions in 2008, overseeing significant cases
Pros
Successful career as a barrister and Queen's Counsel
Instrumental in high-profile cases like Stephen Lawrence's murderers and Rochdale grooming gang
Advocated for human rights and international law
Cons
Faced criticism for handling of Jimmy Savile case while at the CPS