Methodical new leader for Britain

He is centre-left party's most working-class leader.

Britain's new prime minister Keir Starmer is an ex-human rights lawyer and public prosecutor who will have to focus his relentless work ethic and methodical mind on fixing the country.

At 61, Starmer is the oldest person to take the role in almost half a century, but was only elected to parliament nine years ago.

He had a long and distinguished career before becoming an MP and his views are rooted in pragmatism rather than ideology.

"We must return politics to service," Starmer said repeatedly during the campaign, promising to put "country first, party second" following 14 chaotic years of Conservative rule under five different prime ministers.

That mantra chimes with supporters' lauding of him as a safe pair of hands who will approach life in Downing Street the same way he did his legal career: seriously and forensically.

Detractors, though, label him an uninspiring opportunist who regularly shifts position. They say he has not spelled out a clear and defining vision for the country.