[1] He stood as an Independent, winning the 2015 election and beating the Labour candidate after transfer votes (the Conservatives were eliminated after coming last in the first round of votes).
[2][3] In June 2020, dropping his 'Independent' stance, announcing he had joined the Conservative Party.
His position was established (after a referendum) to replace the role of a Council leader and Cabinet.
It was abolished as part of the local government reorganisation in Cumbria on 1 April 2023.
Starkie supported the Whitehaven coal mine project.