UK Labour leader Keir Starmer latest British politician to self-isolate

British PM Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak self-isolating after Covid risk

Britain’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. File photograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images
Britain’s Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. File photograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

British Labour leader Keir Starmer is to self-isolate after one of his children tested positive for Covid-19 hours after he appeared in the House of Commons on Wednesday for prime minister's questions.

Mr Starmer, who had spent the day in Westminster, where restrictions have been significantly eased, tested negative for the virus on Wednesday morning, a Labour spokesman said.

“One of Keir’s children tested positive for Covid this lunchtime. In line with the rules, Keir and his family will now be self-isolating. He will continue to take daily tests,” the spokesman said.

Mr Starmer is the latest high-profile British politician to self-isolate in the week when all restrictions on social contact were lifted in England.

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Boris Johnson conducted prime minister's questions by video link because he is self-isolating in his country residence, Chequers.

Mr Johnson and chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak were forced into self-isolation after health secretary Sajid Javid tesed positive for Covid-19 just weeks into the job.

It is the fourth time Mr Starmer has been forced to self-isolate due close contact with somebody with Covid-19 – and the development will disrupt plans by the Labour leader to tour Britain this summer as he looks to capitalise on the party's recent byelection win in Batley and Spen. – Guardian