Keir Starmer halts Labour leadership campaigning after accident leaves mother-in-law critically ill

Keir Starmer has halted his Labour leadership campaigning after an accident left his mother-in-law critically ill in hospital.



The Labour leadership candidate will not attend any planned campaign events for the next two days after she was admitted to intensive care following the incident, a spokesperson for his campaign has announced.

The Shadow Brexit Secretary said he was taking time out to support his family following the incident.

Sir Keir is married to solicitor Victoria Starmer, with whom he has two young children.

A spokesperson for his campaign, said: "Following an accident, Keir Starmer's mother-in-law is critically ill and has been admitted to hospital in intensive care.

"In order to support his family at this difficult time, Keir will be cancelling all campaign events today and tomorrow. We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Sir Keir was set to join fellow hopefuls Lisa Nandy, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Emily Thornberry at a leadership hustings for party members in Leeds on Saturday.

Responding to the news, rival contender Ms Long-Bailey tweeted: "Very sorry to hear the news about Keir Starmer’s mother in law. We’re sending all of our love and solidarity to Keir and the family."

And fellow Labour MP Lucy Powell, added: "Terrible news. Thoughts are with Keir, Vicky and their family."