Starmer has made a conscious effort to align himself with the U.K.’s armed forces while distancing himself from the leadership style of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn. His appearance, with a square jaw, quaffed hair, pressed suit, and stern stare, certainly fits the image of someone inspecting troops on a British aircraft carrier.
There is speculation that if Starmer were to win the general election, he would focus heavily on defense as a means of positioning Labour against the Conservatives. His background, coming from the Kent/Surrey border, suggests a small-c conservative mindset that is often overlooked in discussions about his London lawyer image.
In an effort to establish himself as a statesman-in-waiting, Starmer and his team have embarked on various global trips to meet foreign leaders and attend significant events. Notably, Labour has expressed unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and has generally aligned with the government on key aspects of foreign policy. This strategic positioning is aimed at solidifying Starmer’s credibility on international matters.