As of early 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced several controversies, most notably "giftgate"—the acceptance of thousands of pounds in gifts and hospitality (including football tickets and clothing) from donors—which triggered public disapproval and prompted him to repay over £6,000. Other major controversies include scrutiny over his past prosecution of grooming gangs, criticism over the appointment and subsequent sacking of Lord Mandelson, and internal party tensions regarding staff and leadership.
Keir Starmer is the current UK Prime Minister (since 2024) and Labour Party Leader, known for his career as a human rights lawyer, serving as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). As DPP, he oversaw major cases, focused on justice for victims, and implemented changes for handling sexual abuse cases. As PM, he's focused on issues like education reform (scrapping single Ofsted grades), clean energy (Great British Energy), and tackling child poverty, while also notably condemning Donald Trump's comments about UK troops in Afghanistan.
J.K. Rowling has strongly criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, particularly regarding their stance on women's rights and gender identity, accusing Starmer of misrepresenting the law and abandoning "gender-critical" women, even while acknowledging her past support for Labour and agreeing to meetings about gender policy. Rowling argues Starmer's position implies that women who assert biological sex boundaries are "toxic," contrasting it with past Labour figures and highlighting the threats faced by women like Rosie Duffield, leading to a significant rift over trans rights and women's single-sex spaces.
Keir Starmer's views, as Labour leader and UK Prime Minister, center on reforming public institutions, strengthening the economy with a focus on fairness, and delivering stability, often described as pragmatic or centrist Labour policies that emphasize competence, security, and tackling inequality through investment, public service reform, and a stronger social safety net, with recent focus on economic stability, tackling crime, and reforming immigration. Key stances include replacing the House of Lords with an elected body, reforming policing, providing strong social security, and working with international partners on security and migration.
Keir Starmer, the prime minister of the United Kingdom since 2024 and Leader of the Labour Party since 2020, practised law before his political career began in 2015. After becoming a barrister in 1987, he mostly dealt with criminal defence work on human rights matters.
Starmer says Trump's comments on Nato and Afghanistan are ‘insulting’
Why have 7 Labour MPs been suspended?
On 23 July 2024, the British Labour Party withdrew the whip from 7 of its MPs who had supported an amendment tabled by the Scottish National Party Westminster leader Stephen Flynn to scrap the two child benefit cap. MPs rejected the SNP amendment by 363 votes to 103.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her support for the UK eventually rejoining the EU. In September 2023 Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party and the now-Prime Minister of the UK, ruled out the possibility of the UK rejoining the EU under a Starmer-led Labour government.
Keir Starmer is generally seen as a centrist or centre-left figure who has moved the Labour Party towards the middle ground, contrasting with the party's more left-wing past under Jeremy Corbyn, though he once described himself as a socialist. While his policies blend traditional Labour values (workers' rights, public services) with pragmatic, sometimes more right-leaning approaches (public sector cuts, stricter crime policies), he positions himself as a progressive leader aiming for broad appeal.
Keir Starmer is British, born in London, England, and has spent his entire life and career in the UK, serving as the Prime Minister and a Member of Parliament for a London constituency. His parents were British, and he grew up in Surrey, attending British schools and universities before becoming a prominent British lawyer and politician.
Critics on the Labour left complained of being purged from the party under Starmer's leadership as he moved the party towards the centre. In the run-up to the 2024 general election, Starmer told the BBC: "I would describe myself as a socialist. I describe myself as a progressive.
The Labour Party, commonly Labour, is one of the two main political parties in the United Kingdom, along with the Conservative Party. It sits on the centre-left of the left–right political spectrum, and has been described as an alliance of social democrats, democratic socialists and trade unionists.
Who was the only prime minister to be assassinated?
Biography. Spencer Perceval enjoys the unfortunate distinction of being the only British Prime Minister to die at the hands of an assassin. His political career coincided with a period of upheaval created by the French Revolution. Having pursued a successful legal career, he was slowly drawn into politics.
Keir Starmer identifies as an atheist but respects faith, acknowledging its power to unite people, and was nominally raised Church of England, though his father was an atheist. He chose a solemn affirmation over a religious oath for his swearing-in and supports humanism, reflecting a non-religious stance despite his upbringing.
What is the easiest European country to move to after Brexit?
Portugal is among the most accessible European countries for immigration. UK citizens can visit Portugal for up to 90 days within six months without a visa. To stay longer, they need a residence permit. The Portugal Golden Visa is a popular option for UK citizens.
Keir Starmer's nicknames often come from political opponents, with prominent ones including "Captain Hindsight" and "Captain Crasheroonie Snoozefest" (from Boris Johnson) and "Sir Softie" (from Rishi Sunak), while supporters might use more respectful titles like "Sir Keir" or focus on his barrister background, though no single universally popular nickname has stuck, reflecting his professional image.
Menzies resigned as PPS to Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development, in March 2014 following allegations in the Sunday Mirror that Menzies had paid a Brazilian male escort for sex and tried to obtain the illegal drug mephedrone. Menzies said a number of the claims were "untrue".
Can the king dissolve parliament without the prime minister in 2025?
At any time the Sovereign could dissolve Parliament and call a general election. In accordance with constitutional convention, the Sovereign did not act independently, but at the request of the Prime Minister.
The biggest issues in the UK right now, based on public opinion data from 2025/early 2026, consistently center around the National Health Service (NHS), the cost of living, and the economy, with immigration, crime, and housing also ranking high, alongside concerns about climate change and education, all impacting daily life and political discourse.
