Keir Starmer's heartbreak as brother Nick dies from cancer as PM says 'we'll miss him'
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Keir Starmer has paid tribute to his "wonderful" brother, who died on Boxing Day following a battle with cancer. Downing Street confirmed in a statement that Nick Starmer, 60, died on December 26. The Prime Minister had been due to go on holiday with his family today but is understood to have postponed his plans following the devastating news of his brother's passing.
Mr Starmer said: “My brother Nick was a wonderful man. He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much. “I would like to thank all those who treated and took care of Nick. Their skill and compassion is very much appreciated.”.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister added: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Starmer. "Nick, 60, died peacefully on the afternoon of December 26 after battling cancer. We ask for privacy for Nick's wider family at this time.".
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her condolences to the Prime Minister. She said: "This is such awful news. Particularly devastating at Christmas time." Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also sent his best wishes. "Truly sorry to hear of the passing of Nick Starmer," he said. "My thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this very difficult time.".
Mr Starmer is protective of his family's privacy, and has rarely spoken about his siblings Anna, Nick and Katy. But he gave an insight into his upbringing in Oxted, Surrey, to author Tom Baldwin in a biography earlier this year. Raised by toolmaker dad Rodney and mum Jo, the PM was the second of four children, with older sister Anna and younger siblings, twins Katy and Nick. “I shared a bunk bed with my brother in a room with an airing cupboard and just enough space for a couple of small desks where we’d do our homework,” he recalled in the book.
