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Keir Starmer cashes in on lucrative speaking gigs after quitting No10 as he signs up with US-based agency which boasts Joe Biden, Jacinda Ardern and Kamala Harris among its clients
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
The new report says Keir Starmer has joined US-based Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents public figures for speaking engagements, in his first paid role since leaving Parliament. CAA is promoting his experience in government and international affairs to business and financial audiences.
Starmer resigned as an MP in September after leaving office as prime minister. He sought advice from the independent adviser on ministerial standards, who told him not to use privileged information or personally lobby the Government for CAA for two years. The agency also represents Joe Biden, Jacinda Ardern and Kamala Harris; former Chancellor Rachel Reeves has joined speaking agencies too.
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In short
- Starmer has joined CAA for speaking work.
- The role is his first paid job since leaving Parliament.
- He must avoid using privileged information or lobbying for CAA for two years.
How this story developed
- 39 minutes ago Keir Starmer has joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a US-based firm that represents public figures for speaking engagements, after leaving Parliament. The role is his first paid work since resigning as an MP in September, following his removal as prime minister.
- 44 minutes ago The new report says Keir Starmer has joined US-based Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which represents public figures for speaking engagements, in his first paid role since leaving Parliament. CAA is promoting his experience in government and international affairs to business and financial audiences.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A former prime minister can reasonably use experience in government and international affairs to earn a living through speaking engagements. Such work may help businesses and other audiences understand public policy, while the adviser’s restrictions are intended to guard against misuse of privileged information or improper lobbying.
The case against
Paid speaking work soon after leaving office can raise concerns that access, status or insight gained in public service is being turned into private income. Even without a breach of the adviser’s rules, audiences may question whether such arrangements risk conflicts of interest or weaken confidence that public office is exercised independently.
Explained simply
Keir Starmer is a former British prime minister and Labour Party leader. He resigned as an MP in September after leaving office, ending his role in Parliament.
Creative Artists Agency is a US firm that arranges paid speaking work for prominent people. Its clients include politicians from several countries, and agencies of this kind connect speakers with businesses and financial audiences.
Former ministers can draw on their experience in paid work after leaving office, but rules govern how they use information gained in government and contact current officials. Starmer was advised not to use privileged information or personally lobby the Government on the agency’s behalf for two years.
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