Keir Starmer to miss PMQs as family member awaits coronavirus test results
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will not take part in Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) tomorrow as he is ‘still awaiting’ a coronavirus test result for a member
of his family.
Deputy leader Angela Raynor will be taking his place and No10 has been informed, a spokesperson confirmed this evening.
Mr Starmer went into self-isolation yesterday after a member of his household started showing symptoms of Covid-19.
The relative took a test on Monday morning and while they await the result, Sir Keir will have to remain in quarantine.
The family member is understood to work for an NHS hospital, meaning they should get quick access to a test.
There are currently no tests available at sites in England’s 10 virus hotspots, with ministers blaming soaring infection rates on the current ‘challenges’ facing the testing system.
An increase in demand has led to local shortages across the country, with some people being directed to sites hundreds of miles away from their homes.
Some infuriated Brits who could not book a test online showed up at their local system without an appointment and said the sites were ‘virtually empty’.
While some were lucky enough to get tested on the day, others were turned away and told they needed to book an appointment.
Hospital bosses warned that a lack of tests for NHS workers was putting services at risk.
It is not clear if Boris Johnson will attend PMQs on Wednesday. Normally when one leader is absent, both are replaced by deputies.
However, the PM’s deputy, Dominic Raab, is overseas on a visit to Washington.
Several ministers have been struck down with coronavirus since the pandemic began.
Mr Johnson spent two nights battling the illness in intensive care, while Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the PM’s top aide Dominic Raab also tested positive.
In Ireland, the whole cabinet has had to go into self-isolation today after the health minister showed symptoms of coronavirus.
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