Keir Starmer may change into a world class DJ if he will get boot from Downing Street
The Labour man may have a next job lined up already if he is ousted from Number 10 after revealing an unlikely musical connection to legendary DJ Fatboy Slim
Sir Keir Starmer could become a world-class DJ if he gets the boot from Number 10 – after bragging that he took music lessons with Fatboy Slim.
The serving Prime Minister said the world famous DJ helped him “build confidence”, which helps when he’s leading the country.
The Labour man took violin lessons with Norman Cook as a youngster, but said it quickly became apparent that his talents lay outside of the music world.
He said: “I quickly realised it wouldn’t be a career for me. For years, I took violin classes with a boy called Norman Cook. You probably know him better today by his stage name – Fatboy Slim.
“But it didn’t matter that I didn’t become a professional musician. Performing for an audience helped me build confidence.”
Sir Keir was talking about the planned changes to the National Curriculum, which will see more of an emphasis on other creative subjects, as well as traditional academic ones.
He continued: “I want to send a clear signal – this Government respects excellence and expects high standards for every child, not just for a certain few.
“So the curriculum will reflect the need to master the basics – raising standards in subjects like maths and English. It will also recognise that some skills are always valued by employers – good communication, resilience, confidence.
“But they’re not always so valued in our schools, particularly for working-class kids.
“Take music. It’s always been a huge part of my life. When I was at school, I had the chance to learn musical instruments and play in an orchestra.
“In fact, I was so keen on music that I won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music. Every weekend, I would get the train to London to learn from some of the best.
“Playing in an orchestra taught me how to be a team player. And it fostered a love of music that has carried me in some of the most joyful moments of my life and comforted me in some of the toughest.
“Not every child will become a world-class musician. But every child can – and should – have the opportunity to develop passions that enrich their lives for ever.
“Just as every child should be able to learn the skills they need for a successful, fulfilling career.”
