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.
Denne historien er fra July 06, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Denne historien er fra July 06, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Boks chase NZ double
South Africa will be attempting to wrestle back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
'Pecco' aims to pick himself up again
Francesco Bagnaia (right) has put his horror crash in Aragon behind him as the MotoGP champion attempts to reclaim top spot from Jorge Martin at this weekend's San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix.
Kruger boosts SA medal count
Junior athlete Simone Kruger gave the national team's medal count a boost by claiming gold in the women's F38 discus throw at the Paralympic Games in Paris last night.
Pegula scripts a dream story
Jessica Pegula scripted an astonishing comeback \"just in the nick of time\" to defeat Karolina Muchova on Thursday at the US Open and reach her first Grand Slam final, where she will take on big-hitting Aryna Sabalenka for the title.
Hunt is very aggravated with PSL's dilly-dallying
SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt (below) has weighed in on the unconventional start to the new Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
US soccer icon hanging up her boots
Los Angeles-US soccer icon Alex Morgan (right), who inspired the Americans to two Women's World Cup football crowns, announced Thursday that she will retire after a final club match tomorrow.
Irish seek huge upset
New Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson is hoping to engineer another huge upset against England today-eight years after his Iceland team shocked the Three Lions at Euro 2016.
Is retiring early an option?
Early retirement can come with several serious risks.
Banking on women
Having an account does not equate to financial autonomy.
Failing matric is not the end of life
In a month's time or so, the matric class of 2024 will sit for their final examinations.
