Starmer's track record show's he can deliver

HE is on the cusp of becoming our Prime Minister, but many are still wondering what kind of a leader Keir Starmer is set to be.

- MATT ROPER

The bar has admittedly been set pretty low by the last three PMs. But those who have worked with the Labour leader are convinced he will win over any doubters and help restore public faith in politics.

Patrick Stevens, a former colleague of Mr Starmer at the Crown Prosecution Service, remembers the way he treated all staff, regardless of their jobs, and achieved impressive results in his seven years as Director of Public Prosecutions.

Patrick, who was made head of the CPS’s International Division just before Mr Starmer took over in 2008, says he was “struck by how welcoming, collaborative and encouraging” he was.

He said: “He had no ego, he was happy to surround himself with strong, good people and allow them to take the lead and credit.

“There wasn’t a clique or an inner circle – people were allowed to challenge him, he wanted everyone to contribute. He delighted in other people’s success. It wasn’t about him, it was always about the results delivered.”

That did not mean he did not command respect, though. Patrick said: “He provided clear leadership. Everybody knew the standards to which he worked.”