28 May 2024 , 08:39
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This is the picture that instantly disproves a "desperate" Tory attack on Keir Starmer.
The Conservatives have been falling over themselves to brand the Labour leader "Sir Sleepy", claiming he lacks the "stamina" to take on the General Election. And it was claimed that he was "resting at home" on Sunday - even though he was actually meeting activists in Brighton alongside Labour candidate Tom Gray.
Mr Starmer branded the attack "desperate", telling reporters he is relishing the challenge ahead. He said: "I've had a smile on my face since January 1 2024 because I knew this was going to be an election year.
"I've wasted nine years of my life in opposition. I've worked four-and-a-half years to change this Labour Party, and now I've got the chance to take that to the country. So we're doing that not only with energy, but with a smile, with positivity across all of our candidates as we go into this election."
The Tories appear to be trying to mirror Donald Trump's attacks on Joe Biden, who the Republican has repeatedly dubbed "Sleepy Joe". Mr Starmer, 61, rubbished claims he doesn't have the energy to campaign, and Rishi Sunak has distanced himself from the attacks.
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The PM claimed it was “the substance is what matters”. Speaking to reporters in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, Mr Sunak said: “I’m really not familiar with his sleeping habits. I’m working incredibly hard, talking to as many people as possible about the substance in this election, I am fired up to have this conversation with the country over the next few weeks about our future.”
Meanwhile veterans affairs minister Johnny Mercer also appeared to be displeased with attacks on Mr Starmer's age. He told Times Radio: “I’m a cabinet minister and I would never refer to Keir Starmer in those terms.
“I have no comment to make on his age, it’s irrelevant to the discussion about your abilities to do the job.”
In a further attack on the PM, Mr Starmer said: “This started with a man standing in the rain without an umbrella trying to convince the nation he was the only man with a plan. And it’s got worse from there on in. I think we’re going to see more of this desperation as we go on.”
The Labour leader is expected to appear alongside Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves this morning, and will be meeting voters in the Home Counties later today.