Victoria Starmer

Victoria, Lady Starmer (née Alexander), born in 1973 or 1974, is a British occupational health administrator and former solicitor. She is married to Keir Starmer, who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2024 and as Leader of the Labour Party since 2020.

Early Life and Education

Victoria Alexander was born in London, with her birth year estimated to be either 1973 or 1974. She was raised in Gospel Oak, London, alongside an elder sister. Her father, Bernard, born in 1929, was an economics lecturer and chartered accountant. He was of Polish-Jewish descent; his family emigrated to the United Kingdom prior to World War II. Her mother, Barbara (who died in 2020), was a community doctor working within the National Health Service and converted to Judaism upon marriage.

For her education, Victoria attended Channing School in Highgate, London. She later studied law and sociology at Cardiff University, where she served as president of the student union.

Professional Career

After completing her university education, Victoria qualified as a solicitor. She worked at the law firm Hodge Jones & Allen, specialising in cases related to street crime. Subsequent to her marriage, she transitioned from practicing law to working within the NHS in occupational health roles.

Personal Life

Victoria met Keir Starmer, then a senior barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, during their work on the same legal case. They became engaged in 2004 and were married on 6 May 2007 at the Fennes Estate near Bocking, Essex. The couple has two children: a son born in 2008 and a daughter born in 2010. Their children are raised with an emphasis on their mother's Jewish heritage and culture. The family observes Shabbat and are members of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in north London. Victoria is a vegetarian.

Prior to relocating to 10 Downing Street, the family resided in Kentish Town, London.

Political Support and Activities

Victoria has maintained support for the Labour Party dating back to her university years. Notably, she protested Conservative education reforms in 1993 when she was serving as Cardiff University's education and welfare officer. During the 2024 general election campaign, she maintained a relatively low profile and chose not to participate extensively in campaign activities, although she appeared at some Labour events and state banquets.

Role During the Starmer Ministry

Following Labour's victory in the 2024 general election, Victoria accompanied her husband to Buckingham Palace for his appointment as Prime Minister by King Charles III, succeeding Rishi Sunak. She also joined him at 10 Downing Street during his first speech as Prime Minister. It was reported that she would continue her role in NHS occupational health and would maintain a low profile during her husband's tenure.

In September 2024, it was reported that she accepted two free tickets to attend an Eras Tour concert by singer Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium. That same month, her husband faced scrutiny over allegations involving undeclared clothing purchases jointly made with a Labour donor, Waheed Alli, Baron Alli, during the period surrounding the election.

In April 2025, Victoria attended the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City alongside her husband.

References and Further Information

Sources include biographies such as Tom Baldwin's "Keir Starmer: The Biography" (2024). Media articles from outlets like Vogue and The Guardian have discussed her role during her husband's political career.

External links

Media relating to Victoria Starmer is available through Wikimedia Commons.