Keir Starmer’s mother-in-law dies after accident two weeks ago
2 min read
The Labour leadership candidate Keir Starmer’s mother-in-law has died after an accident two weeks ago.
The news was revealed on Sunday morning by Jenny Chapman, chair of his campaign, who thanked everyone “for being so kind and supportive”.
It comes after the shadow Brexit secretary had announced on Friday he was cancelling a number of campaign events because his mother-in-law remained seriously ill in hospital.
The bookies' favourite to replace Jeremy Corbyn had been due to appear at a hustings event in Nottingham on Saturday and Dudley in the west Midlands on Sunday, but did not take part in either.
In a statement on Friday evening, a spokesperson said: "Since being admitted to hospital two weeks ago, Keir’s mother-in-law remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
"For this reason, he will be cancelling all campaign events this weekend and will be unable to attend hustings.
“We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Ms Chapman, the former Labour MP for Darlington, tweeted: “My thoughts and prayers are with Keir Starmer and his family.
"Keir’s mother-in-law died yesterday following an accident two weeks ago.
"Thank you to everyone for being so kind and supportive and for respecting his family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Ian Murray, who is standing to be Labour’s deputy leader, said: "All my thoughts are with Keir Starmer and his family at this sad time. It puts into perspective what really matters.”
MP Steve Reed tweeted: “So sad - all our thoughts are with Keir and his family at such a hugely difficult time.”
And his colleague Nick Thomas-Symonds added: Very sorry to hear this news. Love and thoughts with Victoria, Keir and all the family at this time.”
Appearing on Sky News a fortnight ago, Sir Keir was asked for an update on his mother-in-law's condition.
He said: "She’s awful I’m afraid, she’s still in intensive care and it’s been very, very hard for my wife and her family. So (a) very, very difficult few days for us.
"If I may I’d just like to say thank you to the very many colleagues who have shown incredible kindness and support and to the NHS, who have just been incredible in what they’ve been doing.
"It’s very difficult but the NHS are just absolutely brilliant in everything they’re doing and we want to just thank them."
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