Victoria Starmer: The Woman Behind the UK’s New Prime Minister
Victoria Starmer, a lawyer and politician from the British Labor Party, is the wife of the newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Born in 1963 in north London, Victoria grew up in a Jewish family in the Gossip Walk suburb. Her father, Bernard Alexander, was a Polish Ashkenazi Jew who worked as an accountant and professor of economics. Her mother, a doctor in the British Health Authority, converted to Judaism after marrying Bernard.
Victoria’s upbringing in a Jewish environment deeply influenced her values and life philosophy. She attended Channing Girls' School in Highgate for primary education and later studied law and sociology at Cardiff University in Wales. During her university years, she was active in the student union, serving as its president from 1994 to 1996.
Marriage and Family Life
Victoria met her husband, Keir Starmer, while both were working as lawyers. Their relationship, which began after a professional interaction over a legal case, culminated in marriage in 2007. The couple has two children, born in 2008 and 2011, whom Victoria raises with strong Jewish values. Despite Keir Starmer’s atheism, the family regularly observes Jewish rituals such as Sabbath prayers and “Kiddush.”
Victoria is known for her dedication to Jewish cultural beliefs and her activism against anti-Semitism. She maintains a low public profile, preferring to keep her family and private life away from the media spotlight. She continues to work in the legal department of the British National Health Service, a job she loves and intends to keep despite her husband’s new role as Prime Minister.
Labor Party’s Resounding Victory
The Labor Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, secured an overwhelming victory in the recent general elections, marking their return to power after 14 years in opposition. By 4 a.m. GMT, Labor had secured more than 340 seats, surpassing the 326 needed for an absolute majority in the House of Commons. This victory enables them to form the future British government independently.
In his victory speech, Keir Starmer promised a “national renewal” for the United Kingdom, emphasizing the need to renew ideas to maintain national unity. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the Labor Party’s ability to lead the country through this transformative period.
Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat, taking responsibility for the Conservative Party’s loss. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, a prominent figure of the British hard right, succeeded in becoming an MP on his eighth attempt. His anti-immigration party, Reform UK, managed to secure several seats in parliament, positioning itself as a significant force in future elections.
