Keir Starmer: The Biography

by Tom Baldwin

This biography by Tom Baldwin draws on interviews with the Labour leader, as well as access to members of his family, his oldest friends and closest colleagues.

Together, they tell an unexpectedly intimate story filled with feelings of grief and love that has driven him on more than any rigid ideology or loyalty to a particular faction.

The book tracks Starmer’s emergence from a troubled small town background and rebellious youth, through a storied legal career as a human rights barrister and the country’s chief prosecutor, to becoming an MP relatively late in life.

Baldwin provides a vivid and compelling account of how this untypical politician then rose to be leader of his party in succession to Jeremy Corbyn, then transformed it with a ruthless rapidity that has enraged opponents from the left just as much as it has bewildered those on the right.

Above all, this is a book that should be read by anyone who wants to understand how someone who has too often been underestimated or dismissed as dull, now intends to change Britain.

‘Highly readable… Baldwin has peeled back more layers than anyone else' ROBERT SHRIMSLEY, FINANCIAL TIMES

‘Tom Baldwin’s portrait is off a tough, conscientious, and kindly man with the right values' ANDREW MARR, NEW STATESMAN

‘Rigorously researched, lucidly written and highly engaging’ FINTAN O’TOOLE, TLS

‘Baldwin achieves his purpose of making Starmer seem more likable and less boring’ LYNN BARBER, SPECTATOR

‘A highly informative, illuminating and insightful biography… the most complete portrait we have yet been offered’ OBSERVER

Genres: Politics, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, British Literature, Autobiography, History

514 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly fascinating look into the man I hope will be the next PM. The author sets out his own personal biases very clearly in the introduction, but I felt like his coverage of Starmer was pretty nuanced and fair. Starmer's a person first and foremost and, by the end of this book, I felt like I had a clear picture of his quality.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting biography of the recent Prime Minister

[Andy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom Baldwin has billed this biography of Labour’s leader and Britain’s likely next prime minister as “authoritative but unauthorised” but at times it reads like a hagiography, always taking its subject’s side on the key and often controversial issues he has been involved with. The book gives a comprehensive account of Keir Starmer’s working-class childhood and his often complicated relationship with his toolmaker father. He was much closer to his mother, a nurse, and all of his siblings. The book dwells at some length on Starmer’s pre-politics life and career, describing his time as an ambitious and earnest young lawyer and later as Director of Public Prosecutions. Many of those who have worked with him have found it difficult to say what Starmer stands for and the author of this book clearly sees this ‘unideological’ approach as benefiting his political career and easing his path to the Labour leadership. Only mild criticism is made of Starmer ditching the ten pledges he put forward to help him win the leadership and the author makes a virtue of Starmer changing his mind on other pledges as a sign of strength. Baldwin’s description of Starmer’s treatment of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is highly selective and partisan. I have read too many accounts that show that Starmer and his office were less than open and honest in their dealings with the MP for Islington North to buy Baldwin’s account of that febrile time in politics. It’s another indication that this book offers a jaundiced, if at times interesting, account.

[William Gethin Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Baldwin’s book gives us a glimpse into the life of His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition. Starmer’s life is both fascinating and fun, a far cry from the attacks he receives from much of the media. To those who ask who is Keir Starmer, this book provides the answer: a man who is determination to change Britain. His manner in doing it? Whatever works. To some this may seem like opportunism, yet is it opportunistic to ditch a proposal if it won’t work? Or is that simply good politics?

This book, as many have said is a must read for anyone wishing to know what the man who wants to be our is truly like. His determination, his method, his ability to way up decisions and quite simply his ordinary approach is what makes him the best man to be our Prime Minister. Like the book suggests, Starmer is ‘ordinary-looking’ but if this book shows anything it is, that he is far from ordinary.

[Ian Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I joined the Labour Party when Corbyn was elected leader. I was full of hope, inspired by his words. As time went on I found myself questioning if he was the right leader. In 2019, when Johnson won his majority based on an oven ready deal, I was dismayed and disappointed. Corbyn resigned and Starmer became leader. I resigned my membership of the Labour Party. Now four years on, it looks like Starmer could become our next PM. But who is he, what’s his background and would he make a good PM? When this book came out, I had to read it. It answered all my questions. What do I conclude? He would make a good PM, one that will be different and one that our country desperately needs.

[Meg Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There may have been times in the recent past where Labour was afraid to speak the language of class at all – but not my Labour Party. No, for me, smashing the ‘class ceiling’ that holds working people back is our defining purpose.”

Regardless of where you position yourself on the political spectrum, it would be difficult to not be extremely moved by this biography, that details so much of Starmer’s life - much of which he has never spoken publicly about. My review chimes with Emily Maitlis’ comments, “this paints a picture of man both deeply ordinary and quietly remarkable”.

If the polls are to follow through, the U.K. will elect its first ever Prime Minister from a working class background. Reading this biography I feel more encouraged than ever that a future Labour government will be mission led to tackle inequality at every level of society. Starmer’s life and his politics are clearly defined by working class aspiration.

I would also note that for anyone interested in the mechanics of party politics, Baldwin provides brilliant and digestible detail on the politics of politics within the Labour Party.

5/5 from me

[Laur Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way this was written. It was easy to follow and gave a helpful chronology on the current PM. However, I think other reviewers’ assessments that it is a hagiography are correct. This underdeveloped (or diplomatically avoided) critical engagement is my main criticism of the book. I still think it’s a good read, if you keep this limitation in mind, and the author does highlight his COIs from the outset. The reader remains free to bring their own scepticism and political appraisal!

[Henry Winser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for this centrist dad energy

[Vanessa McMurtrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A far more interesting man than I hitherto thought. I'd like to think the country is in safe hands now he is PM even though I'm a LD.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fascinating insight into the man behind the persona, which feels particularly prescient given Keir Starmer has recently made the move to Number 10.

What comes through most clearly here is a picture of a man who cares deeply for his family and friends and who is driven by a sense of duty and public service. Baldwin does a really good job of piecing together different interviews and accounts to give a very full picture of Starmer’s life and what drives him.

This biography leaves you with a fuller understanding of the man who now runs the country, and as such this felt like an important - and enjoyable - read.

[Victoria Lisek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing but respect for my PM 😤

[Teo Nagy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, intriguing, easy to follow read and well structured timeline.

As a European I’ve learnt so much about British society through this book.

I loved all the different sources from the internet, newspapers, interviews with family members or friends.

It is also interesting to look at his promises and fate of his allies or enemies in a retrospective since I am reading this already 1 year after he won the elections.

I am not giving 5 stars only because even though the author acknowledges his biased view some parts were written in a still too much partisan way especially about Corbyn. Why they didn’t let him to express his opinion in this book too?

[Mat C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good biography of Britain's (likely) Next Prime Minister British Politics is one of my weirder interests, weird because I've never visited Britain. I've just always been fascinated by their politics, especially enjoying both Andrew Rawnsley's books on New Labour and Tim Shipman's on Brexit.

A general election has just been called for July and, according to the polls, Keir Starmer is almost assured to be the next Prime Minister. Tom Baldwin has clearly spoken to a ton of people on every side of the aisle about Starmer. This is an incredibly well researched and sourced book.

Keir Starmer is not the most engaging subject and in many ways his story is only beginning. Nevertheless, Baldwin's biography makes the compelling case that he is a decent, empathetic person who will work hard to make Britain more fair and just. Empathetic is not the first word anyone would use when describing any of the recent Conservative PMs. Starmer's critics call him boring but people used to say the same thing about Clement Attlee

Starmer clearly sees himself first and foremost as a problem solver. He does not have much patience for grand ideological and philosophical statements. He wants to dig in, ask questions, and deliver solutions to problems. I am very curious to see what he will do his mandate and I hope that Tom Baldwin is there to write the sequel.

[Bradley Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s actually so funny I read this lol

tbh it does provide some quite interesting insights on our PM but equally flatters him far too much

[Vidur Kapur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable biography of the current British Prime Minister. The overarching impression one gets is that Starmer has never been a natural at anything - be it music, football, law, oratory or politics - but that he is a hard worker who's willing to correct his weaknesses and venture out of his comfort zone.

And at a time when people love to moan about the quality of our politicians, Starmer, having worked his way up the legal profession and run a public service (which he left in a better state than he found it by most accounts), has an impressive background in an absolute sense and relative to recent Prime Ministers.

The only exception might be Rishi Sunak, the man he beat at the 2024 general election - it is wryly amusing that the public were not particularly enthused by either candidate, even though Starmer (a leading human rights laywer) and Sunak (who made millions at investment banks and hedge funds) might respectively be considered the archetypal candidates of the Labour left and Conservative right.

[Jamie Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read! The biography covers everything from Starmer’s childhood to the first few months of government and gives a detailed account of the significant individuals and events. I thought the sections written about his Dad and Mum were particularly moving.

The book is entertaining and well written but did leave me feeling a bit frustrated at the end because even after reading 400 pages it would be difficult to summarise Starmer’s view and outlook on the world! This may not be the authors fault but it leaves you wanting a bit more!

Overall I did enjoy the book and it is the most insightful analysis I’ve seen into Starmer and his politics.

[Esmé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irrespective of politics, this is a brilliantly written book. After Labour’s first few months of government, I wanted to find out more about the enigmatic prime minister. Although I still don’t really understand him 400 pages later, it has become much clearer what he wants to achieve, even if those things are surprisingly vague - a fairer society, more economic prosperity, in short, a better Britain.

[Aron Modig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lite för ”tillrättalagd” / ”beställd” men i stort sätt läsvärd om Storbritanniens näste (?) premiärminister. Lång karriär bakom sig som MR-advokat och ”riksåklagare”. Gick in i politiken relativt sent. Välkvalificerade och pragmatisk. Om han blir vald har han nog alla förutsättningar att bli en bra regeringschef.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I am solidly into Politics and the Labour Party, but this was genuinely ace. It felt like a real insight into Starmer. I have so much respect for the man who literally just wants to do his duty and ensure Politics serves the people.

[Mia Rothwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trying to convince myself about sir Keir , kinda worked tbh.
Big spoiler tho- his dad is in fact a tool maker.

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read in an attempt to get to know the man who has rightfully become our prime minister.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hagiography is a word I've learned from other reviews of this and that's a spot on assessment. Way too reverential, but I enjoyed seeing all the geeky old photos.

[Clare Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and accessible portrayal of the new prime minister, kinder to him than most accounts

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about the new PM's background and upbringing. The book was, however, at times, nauseatingly biased - even to the point of defending the infamous "Rishi Sunak doesn't" ad from last year.

Also this quote about the glitter thrown on Starmer by a protestor at the Labour conference, really Tom?:

...enterprising members of the National Executive Committee scooped up the glitter from the floor around the podium and it’s since been auctioned off like the ‘holy soil’ tourists can buy in phials from Bethlehem.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Enjoyed the first half and Keir’s backstory more!

[Sam Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically as inoffensive and slightly boring a read as its title character, so probably an accurate biography.

[Francisco Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does the “son of a toolmaker and a nurse” become the leader of the Labour Party and U.K. prime minister? At the age when I am slowing down, Starmer has started one of the hardest jobs in the U.K. Attacked from the left and right, labelled as a boring lawyer. However, what comes across is his work ethic for getting things down and doing things properly. He will make mistakes and acknowledges these. He will also change his mind.
It is clear that the public Keir is very different to the private one, deep down a family man and very good friend who enjoys a pint with his mates watching his beloved Arsenal. Well on the last point, no one gets it right all the time.

[James R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keir Starmer is, according to the polls and the pundits, very likely to be the next Prime Minister, so I read this book to learn more about him. So it was reassuring to find out that he isn't a particularly controversial or exciting person. It doesn't make for a riveting read but after a period of political turmoil with the other major party, it suggests we may have a period of sensible and grown up politics from a fundamentally decent person who tries his best to do the right thing (even if he gets it wrong from time to time). The book is a thorough examination or Kier Starmer's life but fails to dig up much dirt or scandal, mostly because (hopefully) there isn't any. I finished the book glad to know more about someone who is likely to become more prominent and has been relatively cagey about their personal history beyond carefully prepare soundbites. The book ends at a strange point, as it's probably been released just before the most important period of Starmer's life. The "2024 and beyond" section of his future biographies are likely to be far more interesting, but I suppose that will depend on whether this year's election goes as expected. In the meantime, this book is an interesting background on Keir Starmer's journey to the brink of becoming Prime Minister.

[Taylor Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is good!

[Aria 88 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook review

Unexpectedly dull. Who gave this five stars? It’s little more than a flimsy love note to Starmer.

Disappointed