Sir Keir Starmer has been mockingly dubbed “Sir Sleepy” following his declaration that he won’t work “24/7” as Prime Minister, even planning to clock off at 6pm on Fridays.
The father of two emphasized his commitment to maintaining “protected time for the kids” at the end of the week.
The Labour leader, speaking on Virgin Radio, stated he would “not do a work-related thing after 6pm pretty well come what may,” a routine he intends to keep if he reaches Downing Street. He expressed his belief that being a good decision-maker doesn’t necessitate sacrificing family time.
READ MORE: Royal Mail blames government for postal ballot delays in general election
He remarked, “I don’t believe in the theory that you’re a better decision maker if you don’t allow yourself the space to be a dad and have fun with your kids. Actually, it helps me. It takes me away from the pressure, it relaxes me, and I think actually, not only is that what I want to do as a dad, it is better.”
Speaking to breakfast host Chris Evans, Starmer critiqued the notion that a nonstop schedule enhances decision-making. “Politics, some people think if you fill your diary 24/7 and don’t do anything else, that makes you a much better decision maker. I don’t agree with that. I think you’ve got to make space,” he said.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, known for his grueling work hours, criticized Starmer’s early finish, saying, “I haven’t seen the comments but what I would say is – what time is it now? – I haven’t finished at 6pm ever. We would only have a couple of hours left in the day at this point, which is not great.”
A Conservative source added, “Whether he likes it or not, if he became PM Sir Sleepy would be required to work after 6pm. If he thinks he can just put his slippers on and make a mug of Horlicks while he tunes into The One Show, then he is in for a shock.”
Meanwhile, Sir Keir remains steadfast as the election campaign enters its final stretch. Describing the last days before the polls as the “hardest yards,” he has embarked on a whirlwind tour of key constituencies, urging voters to support Labour.
Visiting traditional Tory strongholds in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, he rallied supporters and underscored the importance of every vote, especially in close races.
“This is the final mile, these are the last hard yards, but the last steps are always the hardest,” he said, emphasizing that “change can only happen if you vote for it” and highlighting the undecided voters who need convincing.
Starmer asserted that there are no areas Labour will avoid, countering Prime Minister Sunak’s warnings about a potential “supermajority.” During his visit to Buckingham and Bletchley, he stated, “There are no ‘no-go’ areas. I want to come to places like this, places that we wouldn’t normally win because, one, I think it’s important we see the task of earning every vote as one that is across the whole of the country.”
READ MORE: Expert reveals the SIX key tricks UK leaders use to win you over before the election
