Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of his younger brother, Nick Starmer, who succumbed to cancer on Boxing Day at the age of 60. Describing Nick as "a wonderful man," Starmer emphasized the courage and good humor with which his brother faced life's challenges. "We will miss him very much," he remarked. Starmer took the opportunity to acknowledge the care provided to Nick during his illness, expressing gratitude to the medical professionals involved.
Nick Starmer's lifelong battle with learning disabilities, stemming from complications at birth, significantly shaped his experiences and those of his family. His older brother, Keir, revealed how this aspect of Nick's life created obstacles. Tom Baldwin, author of Starmer's biography, noted on BBC Radio 5 Live the numerous clandestine visits Keir made to Nick's bedside at the hospital without the intent of garnering media attention. "He went to see Nick dozens of times without cameras, without microphones, because Nick was very important to him," Baldwin explained.
Keir Starmer shared intimate reflections on their upbringing, stating, "I'm not sure he even sat exams, so he had nothing to show for coming out of education." The bullying Nick faced at school with taunts labeling him as "thick" or "stupid" remained vivid memories for Keir, who insisted on avoiding derogatory language about anyone due to his brother's experiences. "Nick was dealt a very different set of cards to me and he's had problems all his life - problems I've never had to face," Starmer admitted, portraying his brother's resilience as admirable.
Despite the challenges, Nick lived with the support of his siblings, including his sister Katy, who was fiercely protective. According to her, they often fought back against bullying, reflecting the close-knit nature of the family. "I certainly punched a few people," Katy told Baldwin, illustrating the lengths the family went to protect each other. During Nick's later years, he faced health issues and struggled to maintain steady employment, illustrating the long-term impact of his learning difficulties.
Reflecting on his brother's life, Keir Starmer recalled moments such as his best-man duties at Nick's wedding where he had to borrow a car so Nick wouldn’t appear out of place. Keir humorously remembered running to the nearest supermarket to gather supplies for the wedding reception—a small act of love for his brother, who still faced challenges fitting the conventional expectations of life.
During the Labour Party conference this past September, Keir shared how their father, Rodney, would supportively remind him, "Your brother has achieved just as much as you, Keir." This sentiment echoed Keir's struggles and admiration for Nick, highlighting the stark contrasts yet deep connections between their lives. "Nick has had a really tough life," he noted, expressing sadness for his brother's difficulties.
The public response to Nick's passing has seen condolences pouring in from various political figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who remarked, "This is such awful news. Particularly devastating at Christmas time," paying respect to the personal loss experienced by the Labour leader.
This tragic moment not only sheds light on the close bond between the Starmer brothers but also calls attention to the broader issues of learning disabilities and the emotional dynamics within families facing such challenges. The legacy of Nick Starmer, marked by both struggle and resilience, serves as poignant reminders of the significance of compassion and familial love.
