Keir Starmer QC appointed DPP

Doughty Street Chambers’ joint head Keir Starmer QC has been appointed the next director of public prosecutions (DPP), the attorney general Baroness Scotland announced today (25 July).

Starmer, who was called to the bar in 1987 and took silk in 2002, will take over from Sir Ken Macdonald QC, previously of Matrix Chambers, on 1 November.

On appointing Starmer, Scotland said the silk brings a breadth of experience in human rights, international law, police and criminal law.

“He has a real understanding of the importance of independent prosecution and a wealth of knowledge across all aspects of the law,” said Scotland. “I believe he has the ability, knowledge and vision to take the Crown Prosecution Service into the future.”

Doughty Street chair of the management committee Gavin Millar QC said his set will be sorry to lose Starmer, who also currently heads the criminal team at chambers.

“He has been an excellent head of chambers who has steered us through a major restructuring,” said Millar. “He is an exceptional practitioner who will be missed by everyone here. The CPS is most fortunate to have as their new head someone of such integrity and dedication and with such a powerful commitment to human rights.”

Starmer, who will also be head of the crown prosecution service, will be responsible for determining any charges and prosecuting criminal cases investigated by English and Welsh police. He will also make decisions about the complex and sensitive cases as well as advise the police on criminal matters.