‘What IS he hiding?’ blast Tories as Keir Starmer accused of ‘dodging’ questions over Covid lockdown breach claims
‘What IS he hiding?’ blast Tories as Keir Starmer accused of ‘dodging’ questions over Covid lockdown breach claims
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SIR Keir Starmer is under pressure to come clean over fresh allegations that he flouted Covid lockdown rules. Furious Tories are demanding an independent probe after claims emerged that the Labour leader brought in a voice coach to help with his speeches during strict Tier 4 restrictions. A new book alleges Sir Keir designated former actress Leonie Mellinger as an “essential worker” so she could visit Labour HQ.
![[Keir Starmer at Lord Prescott's funeral.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2007-died-november-20-last-967863389_36caf5.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
This is despite rules at the time banning non-essential workers from in-person meetings. Allies of Sir Keir insist people were allowed to go to work if required and his actions were in line with the rules. He was responding to Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on the day in question. But at a press briefing today, the PM’s official spokesman repeatedly declined to comment, insisting it was a matter from opposition.
![[Richard Holden, Conservative Party chairman.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2023-jack-hill-chief-news-859366352.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
Asked whether the PM considered his voice coach to be a key worker, the spokesman replied: “I’m not going to get into any matter to do with the opposition, the Prime Minister is focused on delivering the government’s priorities and the people’s priorities.". Asked whether Sir Keir kept to lockdown rules at all times, No10 repeated: “As I say I’m not going to get into matters to do with matters from opposition.".
Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden blasted: “It’s simply not good enough for the PM’s spokesperson to try to dismiss, dodge and dissemble when faced with legitimate questions about whether the PM broke Covid rules.". “Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly claimed he’d followed all the rules and even promised to step down if he was found to have broken any. “These revelations suggest he misled the public and disregarded the law while people across our country made immense sacrifices. ".
He added: “With so many questions to answer, Sir Keir needs to come clean and appoint an independent investigator without delay now even his own spokesman is refusing to answer even the most basic of questions.”. It’s not the first time Sir Keir has faced accusations of breaking Covid rules. In April 2021, he was caught on camera enjoying a boozy curry with 15 others while restrictions were in place.
