Steerpike Steerpike

Cabinet mask-off as Sir Keir self-isolates (again)

Oh dear. Poor Keir Starmer has tested positive for Covid meaning he has to miss today’s Budget. Unlike Boris, he has managed to avoid getting ill until now but it’s the fifth time he has been forced to self-isolate after four previous incidents. Starmer’s absence means that shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will be forced to step in to deliver the response to Rishi Sunak’s speech, while Prime Ministers’ Questions will be fronted by Ed Miliband. Ahead of COP26, it looks like Labour intend to show their eco-credentials by recycling their old leaders too…

On the Tory side, a different Covid row dominates: the ongoing saga about masks. The Leader of the House Jacob Rees-Mogg faced off last week against Health Secretary Sajid Javid after the latter endured an awkward press conference about Tory MPs refusing to wear them on the green benches.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in