Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Madeira for his first holiday since becoming Prime Minister, after delaying his departure following a family tragedy.
The Prime Minister is spending a few days abroad with his wife Victoria and their children, having postponed the trip when his brother Nick died on Boxing Day.
According to the Madeira Island News website, “the trip was made discreetly, and he has brought his own security with him”.
It is understood the PM travelled on a commercial flight on Saturday, deliberately opting against private transport for his journey to the Portuguese island.
Keir Starmer joined his family on the Portuguese island a day later
PA
The Labour leader had originally planned to depart a day earlier, before the news of his brother’s passing changed his arrangements.
Starmer’s brother Nick died aged 60 after battling cancer, casting a shadow over the family’s holiday plans.
At the time of his brother’s death, the Prime Minister paid tribute, saying: “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.”
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Madeira is due to see highs of 19C in the coming days
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Starmer had previously cancelled a planned European summer holiday in August amid UK riots and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Shortly before Christmas, friends of the PM told the Mail on Sunday he “badly needs a holiday” due to the “relentless strain” of the job.
One friend revealed: “He talks a good game about needing to take the unpopular decisions now, and expecting this resistance, but I don’t think he realised quite how unpopular they – or he – would be.”
Downing Street has confirmed that Starmer remains in charge whilst abroad, with no temporary transfer of power to Deputy Leader Angela Rayner.
The Prime Minister’s office maintains his morale is high and he remains focused on his duties despite the brief respite.
