From Legal Luminary to Political Powerhouse: Unveiling Keir Starmer, Britain's Future Prime Minister

There are significant impending changes in British politics, particularly evident at the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool this week. In a crowded hall, Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, delivered an optimistic speech portraying the ruling Conservatives as the party responsible for the country's decline, while positioning Labour as the party offering stability.

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Starmers speech, disrupted by a protestor's glitter-bomb, lacked specifics, but its message was clear: "Leave behind the perpetual decline of the Conservative government and embrace a decade of national rejuvenation."

In contrast to the Conservative Party's recent gathering in Manchester, the events and speeches in Liverpool this week have been filled with enthusiastic members, lobbyists, and reporters.

As the crowd eagerly awaited a keynote speech, with lines of people stretching around the venue, a party member made an amusing analogy to CNN, likening the atmosphere to that of the renowned party hub, Magaluf, albeit with policy enthusiasts instead of holidaygoers. While this comparison may slightly exaggerate the situation, considering that the event mainly consists of four days filled with countless individuals squeezed into cramped rooms discussing topics such as taxation and infrastructure, there undeniably exists a certain energy in the air.

A protestor throws glitter over Labour party leader, Keir Starmer during the leader's speech at the Labour Party conference on October 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England.

Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

A buoyant mood

At these conferences, attendees typically endure stressful schedules, rushing from one event to another in an attempt to witness the raw politics on display. This includes witnessing party factions engaging in pointed fringe events, attacking one another or even engaging in open conflict in front of delegates.

Furthermore, there are after-hours private parties where the real gossip pervades into the early hours of the morning.

This year's conference season is exceptionally tense. With the next general election on the horizon, the events are expected to be even more packed and the speeches more heated.

Yet, in the conference zone of Liverpool, located in northern England, a diverse mix of individuals are gathering outside the main conference hotel where leader Keir Starmer and his top team are accommodated. Among them are corporate lobbyists, reporters, business executives, Labour members, and even Conservative Party operatives discreetly searching for controversial information. Surprisingly, despite their differing allegiances, they are all amiably enjoying drinks and engaging in conversation.

Those mingling are largely in agreement that, barring some major disaster, Labour is the next party of government.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak of Britain is photographed holding a green briefcase resembling the red Budget Box prior to the Finance Day event at the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow on November 3, 2021. According to the Treasury, Sunak will reveal proposals to establish Britain as the leading global financial center in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The photograph was taken by Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images.

The UK, which previously pledged to be a worldwide frontrunner in the fight against climate change, is now witnessing Rishi Sunak escalating a conflict on green policies, fueling a culture war. As a result, the Labour party members are currently filled with optimism due to this noteworthy level of assurance and solidarity.

It's no surprise that the party is currently the clear frontrunner to win the upcoming general election, considering their 13-year stretch in opposition. Labour's time in opposition has been marked by significant challenges, such as three election defeats, a left-wing takeover of the party, and the loss of traditional voters due to Brexit and accusations of antisemitism.

When Jeremy Corbyn assumed leadership in 2015, he and his supporters pushed the party further to the left. Despite repeated warnings about his radical political history, which included advocating for nuclear disarmament, referring to terror groups like Hamas as "friends," and inviting Northern Irish terrorists to the UK parliament, Corbyn persisted. Unfortunately, his choices led to Labour's defeat in two general elections under his leadership.

The party was deeply fractured following the 2019 election defeat, leading to Corbyn's resignation. Upon assuming leadership from Corbyn, Starmer implemented a gradual removal of left-wing individuals from the party. Subsequently, Corbyn was expelled from the party due to a report holding him responsible for the increasing prevalence of antisemitism during his tenure.

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Despite Starmer stabilizing Labour and bringing it back into the mainstream, the party's resurgence can also be attributed in part to the self-destruction within the Conservative party. The scandal surrounding Boris Johnson's "Partygate," Liz Truss's chaotic management of the economy, and the internal conflict all indicate that the ruling party is aware its time in power may be coming to an end.

Given these circumstances, it was anticipated that Labour and its leader, Starmer, would adopt a cautious approach this week without stirring up controversy. When one is winning by default, why take unnecessary risks?

Government in waiting

The notion has predominantly proven accurate. Liverpool has not revealed much explicit policy, instead opting for a succession of speeches directed at individuals who would have vehemently avoided the party not long ago. It is imperative to convey that this is not a disorderly radical group but rather capable experts who can be relied upon to govern the country.

The party was expected to address concerns about Starmers personality, which has been criticized by a vocal minority within the party for being unexciting and lacking conviction. A former Labour adviser questioned how this unremarkable and opinion-less man is supposed to inspire them.

Though not particularly exciting, Starmer's background is impressive and aspirational. Unlike many in British politics, he attended a selective state school instead of a private one. Additionally, he earned a law degree from the University of Leeds, rather than studying politics or economics at prestigious institutions like Oxford or Cambridge.

He attained great success as a lawyer, eventually reaching one of the highest positions in the country's legal realm: Director of Public Prosecutions. In 2014, he was honored with knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his exceptional contributions to law and criminal justice.

Starmers advisors affirm that his background resonates with British voters, as per their focus groups. They had originally planned to utilize this conference as an opportunity to portray their leader as a person of unwavering integrity, in stark opposition to the Conservative leaders of recent times.

On January 25, 2023, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of Britain, departs 10 Downing Street in London, England, to participate in PMQ's. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Leon Neal/Getty Images

Britain's Rishi Sunak has a month to shake his party from its slumber. If he fails, the next election could already be over

On Sunday night, it appeared as though this scenario was unfolding. David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, relayed anecdotes about Keir Starmer to an audience composed of party members during a private reception. Lammy recounted private conversations that occurred during a period when Starmer was under investigation by the police for a potential violation of Covid regulations. Despite Lammy advising Starmer against publicly declaring his intention to resign if found guilty, Starmer disregarded this suggestion since he had previously called on Johnson to do the same several months ago. Ultimately, Starmer was exonerated while Johnson received a fine from the police for breaching his own lockdown rules.

However, as the conference progressed, a new narrative started to unfold - one that extended beyond Starmer's presence.

Typically, these gatherings feature dull keynote speeches on the main stage delivered by party leaders, often overlooked by delegates in favor of livelier, alcohol-infused parties and peripheral activities.

The keynote speeches during this year were not particularly thrilling, but they still managed to evoke a great deal of enthusiasm. When Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor of Starmer, delivered her speech on Monday afternoon, not only did the attendees form a long line that stretched around the conference center, but those who couldn't enter the room gathered around screens, clapping with applause.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves makes her keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on October 9, 2023.

Peter Byrne/AP

Contrary to the poorly attended speech by Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Manchester last week, which was overshadowed by former prime minister Truss and her supporters hosting a competing event that criticized their own party's economic policy, the situation in Liverpool is quite different. The party here is unified, with the majority laser-focused on avoiding any mistakes and ensuring victory in the upcoming election. Even fringe events, such as the ones discussing the Israel and Hamas conflict with Corbyn supporters, remain on message.

The current narrative being conveyed by Labour goes beyond Keir Starmer, their leader in waiting. It encompasses both Starmer and his political allies, who represent the potential future government. They are determined to lead Britain towards a fresh future and are committed to taking their office responsibilities seriously. Instead of encountering hasty policies, internal conflicts, and leadership disputes, they assure that the public can expect sincere politicians who aim to restore a sense of stability to a nation that has been governed by irresponsible individuals for over ten years.

Labours election to lose

There are individuals who are dissatisfied with this gradual and deliberate strategy. Left-wing critics informed CNN that the conference was a meticulously controlled event with no substance, overseen by a leader who will ultimately serve as a temporary prime minister before returning power to the Conservatives after five years.

Another critic from the right-wing faction of the party claimed that "Starmer's strategy of using boredom to gain power has proven unsuccessful in America, where Trump is making a comeback, and in Germany, where the far-right is gaining momentum."

Nevertheless, even those who criticize Starmer within his own party acknowledge that he is the most probable candidate for the next prime minister. As the party entered this week's conference, this realization unsettled some Labour members who gradually accepted the responsibility of winning the upcoming election.

And it is important to clarify that they still have the possibility. Sunak and the Conservatives still hold a significant opportunity to reverse the situation.

However, in Liverpool this week, the meticulously managed communication from the top members of the Labour party convinced their supporters that instead of Keir Starmer's success being attributed to luck and the incompetence of the Conservatives, it is actually a purposeful strategy reflecting his steady leadership.

And right now, it seems possible large parts of the country are ready for it.