Keir Starmer self-isolating after member of family displays Covid symptoms

Labour leader will miss crunch Brexit debate today and may have to stay home for 14 days

Sir Keir Starmer is self-isolating after a member of his household showed symptoms of possible coronavirus, the Labour Party has said.

Party sources refused to discuss who the person involved is, but it is understood to be a member of the Labour leader’s family.

Sir Keir lives with his wife Victoria and their two children in north London.

He has not personally shown any symptoms of the illness. He was told about the possible infection of his family member this morning shortly after appearing on an LBC phone-in show, and the radio station has been informed in case any of its staff came into contact with him.

A spokesperson for the Labour leader said: “This morning Keir Starmer was advised to self-isolate after a member of his household showed possible symptoms of the coronavirus.

"The member of his household has now had a test. In line with NHS guidelines, Keir will self-isolate while awaiting the results of the test and further advice from medical professionals."

Under current coronavirus rules, Sir Keir must self-isolate until the result of his family member’s test is known. 

If the test is positive, he will have to remain at home for 14 days. He will not be allowed to have visitors other than those providing essential care or leave his property even for exercise and will have to have food and other essentials delivered to the house.

Sir Keir had been due to respond to Boris Johnson’s opening statement in the debate on the controversial UK Internal Market Bill in the House of Commons today, but will now not take part.

And he will be unable to appear in person to deliver his scheduled speech to the TUC Congress on Tuesday, instead a virtual question and answer session with TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady and key workers.

If he is told to self-isolate for a fortnight, this would include Labour’s virtual annual conference from 19-22 September, though he would be able to take part by video from home.