Sir Keir Starmer entered British politics with a reputation for pragmatism and stability, earning the nickname "No Drama Starmer". Yet the years from 2020 to 2026 have presented extraordinary political challenges and intense public scrutiny. This course examines Starmer's leadership, the changing fortunes of the Labour Party, and the broader political and social forces reshaping the United Kingdom. Through discussion of elections, policy debates and contemporary events, participants will gain insight into one of the most consequential periods in modern British politics. Suitable for anyone interested in politics, current affairs and international developments.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Tom Baldwin, Keir Starmer, The Biography, Harper Collins, 2026
• Patrick Maguire, Get In : The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, Bodley head, 2026
• Paul Holden, The Fraud, Keir Starmer Morgan McSweeney and the Crisis of British Labour, OR Books, 2026

COURSE OUTLINE

• Early life and career of Keir Starmer
• Transition to Labour politics from 2015 and influential forces and alliances
• Twin shocks to economy and society of Britain, Brexit 1016 and Covid 2020-2023
• Election victory of July 2024 and factors contributing to the victory
• Series of crises 2024-2026 and responses from Starmer which have been very controversial
• Ongoing challenges beyond May Council elections disaster for the Labour Party and for Starmer as Leader

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Gain an appreciation of the difficulties currently facing Sir Keir Starmer as PM and the factors which seem beyond his control mid 2026
2. Discuss the nature of British politics since 2020 including the onset of Covid19 in 2020 and the fallout from the Brexit decision of 2016