In Pictures: Highs and lows of Sir Keir Starmer’s time in power

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves after issuing a statement at 10 Downing Street on February 28 2026

placeholder image — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves after issuing a statement at 10 Downing Street on February 28 2026

Sir Keir became Prime Minister in July 2024 after the Labour Party won more than 400 seats at the general election.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced his forthcoming departure as Prime Minister and Labour leader.

Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, became Prime Minister on July 5 2024 after the Labour Party’s landslide victory at the general election.

Despite a huge 174-seat majority, his tenure was marked by a succession of high-profile policy U-turns, from welfare reform to digital ID.

The appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US proved a major source of controversy, and the impact of conflict in the Middle East added to the difficulties of the Prime Minister.

Labour’s disastrous showing in the May elections for local councils in England, the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd in Wales was the final nail in Sir Keir’s coffin.