Keir Starmer is making headlines for all the wrong reasons as he faces criticism for his comments about Margaret Thatcher. He claimed that the former PM brought 'meaningful change' to the UK and 'set loose Britain’s natural entrepreneurialism'.
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His comments have been viewed as an attempt to win over disillusioned Tories, but they have backfired. Many have stepped forward to remind Starmer of Thatcher's harsh policies and their impact on Brits. As Reuters explained:
She was an extremely divisive figure, hailed by some but loathed by many on the left for crushing trade unions and privatizing swathes of British industry.
So, as Sir Keir Starmer deals with the onslaught of judgement following this controversial move, let's take a look at his background and how much money he makes.
Sir Keir Starmer's career
Sir Keir Starmer was the first in his family to go to university where he studied law. He started working as a barrister in 1987 and went on to become a legal advisor to the Northern Ireland Policing Board for five years. This is where he met his wife, Victoria, who works for the NHS - just like Starmer’s mum did.
In 2014, Starmer received a knighthood for his services to criminal justice. He invited his family along to Buckingham Palace for the event, and they brought their dog! Starmer entered politics relatively late in life, at the age of 52. He is currently the MP for Holborn and St Pancras and has been Leader of the Labour Party since April 2020.
But how much does he earn?
Sir Keir Starmer's whopping salary
Starmer was Shadow Immigration Minister from 2015, when he entered politics, to 2016. He later went on to become Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union from 2016 to 2020 until he became Leader of the Labour Party.
He also serves as member for Holborn and St Pancras, a role for which he receives the standard MP’s salary. This was set in April 2023 at £86,584. He is also paid an additional salary for his role as Leader of the Opposition, which brings his total income up to around £130,000.
Earlier this year, Starmer followed Rishi Sunak as the pair both published details of their tax affairs. This revealed that Starmer made capital gains of £85,466 in the financial year 2021/22. Indeed, according to HMRC figures, his total income in 2020 put him in the top 1% of earners in the UK.
Read more:
⋙ Rishi Sunak, King Charles and David Cameron are in hot water over Cop28 hypocrisy
Sources used:
BBC: Keir Starmer to make housing pledge in leader's speech
Daily Mail: Keir Starmer paid £67,000 in tax last year on earnings of more than £210,000 (including £85,000 from the sale of a house he owned with his sister) as Labour leader follows Rishi Sunak in publishing tax details
Reuters: Labour leader Starmer praises Thatcher in bid to woo UK Conservative voters
