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Starmer makes the most of No. 10’s gift shop

Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

Jetting off on one of his (many) trips abroad last month, Keir Starmer was snapped on his plane sipping from an intriguing choice of mug. The Labour leader seems to favour a specially produced cup emblazoned with the number ’10’ – just in case he, er, forgets that he is actually the Prime Minister, again. The item in question was specially produced by the No. 10 gift shop, though sadly purchases are only available to Downing Street staff. Spoilsports!

Limited-edition £17 mugs are just one of the 19 items currently being sold at the power centre of British politics. The costliest items are the top-of-the-line hooded sweatshirts on offer for £29 while branded cufflinks go for £9-a-pop. Rishi Sunak could probably have done with one of the £21 branded umbrellas back in May while William Hague no doubt once dreamt of getting his hands on a £10 baseball cap. Downing Street spinners were quick to tell Mr S that Starmer’s ‘mug has been on board the plane since 2020’, adding that ‘these items are paid for personally by members of staff at full cost price and with no subsidy from the taxpayer.’

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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