The rise of Keir Starmer, from ‘superboy’ to Labour leader
Born without privilege, he raised himself to high office through his own endeavours; yet he is somehow reluctant to celebrate this success.
There is a story that Sir Keir Starmer’s friends like to tell about his response to Labour’s humiliating Hartlepool by-election defeat in 2021. Having lost the safe seat to the Conservatives, Starmer openly discussed quitting as the Labour leader, saying: “I’m not fulfilling some lifelong dream here.” He told his confidants he would be content to work in a bookshop instead.
It is undoubtedly true that Starmer’s leadership ambitions came late in life. It is also the case that Labour never expected him to be the party’s next prime minister, and from the public’s point of view there is still considerable confusion over what he stands for.
The Telegraph London
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