A Sky News presenter refused this morning to let a Tory minister twist Keir Starmer’s revelation that he does not like working late on Fridays.
The Labour leader – who has a 20-point lead over the Tories in the polls – told Virgin Radio he “will not do a work-related thing after six o’clock, pretty well come what may” on a Friday night, so he can spend time with his family.
But the Tories have attacked Starmer already over this, saying he would be a “part-time prime minister”.
On Tuesday, Sky host Matt Barbet asked Tory candidate and health minister Maria Caufield: “How important to you is work life balance?”
She replied: “It is pretty important but I would say as a minister, it’s not really that feasible.
“Probably what you’re alluding to Keir Starmer saying that he’ll do a four-day week and finish at six o’clock every evening –”
Before she could even get to the end of her sentence, Barbet said: “No – no, no, no, no.
“He didn’t say he was going to do a four-day week, he said he was going to finish work at six o’clock on a Friday, like many people do.
“And I believe that’s to help his wife observe her Jewish faith, which is commonplace amongst Jewish people.
“So not a four-day week, that’s not true.”
Caulfield largely ignored the correction but said she was also a person of faith and believes a “work-life balance is extremely important”.
However, she claimed Starmer “has indicated that he wants to have a more flexible working life approach”.
Caulfield continued: “That’s just not possible. I’m a junior minister, I work seven days a week, often close to 20-hour days, so it is slightly concerning that’s the approach he’s taking.
“And he’s never been a minister. He’s probably not aware of the extreme pressures you’re under. Yes, it’s important, of course it’s important, and you make better decisions when you have a good work-life balance.
“But when you’re running the country you do have to put the country before your party and a lot of other things, as well.”
She said she was also a carer, but “your family does suffer” when you’re in government.
Barbet pushed: “Why though? Does that set a good example – job first, family second? What are the most important things in life if not your family, your children. He’s a dad of school-age children.
“So surely you would not begrudge the man – if he does become prime minister – if he does spend time with his kids?”
She said PM Rishi Sunak also has two young children, and to do the government job well, it takes time and sacrifice.
Barbet noted: “Why in this country do we champion working all the hours God sends?
“Maybe that’s why, as a minister, your Conservative colleagues have decided it’s just not worth it and are not running in the election.”
Seventy-four Tory MPs previously announced they were standing down at this election.
Caulfield said that if Labour will the election, many of its MPs will realise just “what a tough job it is” being in power.
