Starmer calls wife Victoria ‘absolute rock’ before Commons vote on Mandelson row

Politics
28 Apr 2026 • 2:57 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Starmer calls wife Victoria ‘absolute rock’ before Commons vote on Mandelson row

Sir Keir Starmer has described his wife, Victoria as “an absolute rock”, saying she is encouraging him to continue as prime minister, despite mounting criticism.

The prime minister will face a Commons vote on Tuesday (28 April), which could trigger an inquiry into claims he misled MPs over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

Appearing on the Cathy Newman Show on Sky News on Monday (27 April), Sir Keir said: “She’s an absolute rock and I confide in her all the time and hers is the best advice and I am just thankful I have got her every day.”

Ms Newman asked: “And at the moment she is advising you to keep going?”