A Tory Minister has been slapped down by a Sky News presenter after falsely claiming Keir Starmer wants to do a four-day week in No10.
The clash came as the Tories ramped up attacks on the Labour leader after he suggested he’d make time in his diary for his son, 16, and daughter, 13. Health Minister Maria Caulfield told Sky News that a work-life balance was “pretty important”. But she added: “I would say a a minister, it’s not really that feasible.
“Probably what you are alluding to is Keir Starmer saying he’s going to be doing a four-day week and finishing at 6 o’clock every evening.”
But the presenter Matt Barbet shot back, saying: “No, he didn’t say a four-day week. He said he was going to finish work at six on a Friday like many people do and I believe that’s to help his wife observe her Jewish faith which is commonplace among Jewish people. So not a four-day week – that’s not true.”
Ms Caulfied, however, doubled down saying: “I’m a person of faith as well so the work-life balance is extremely important. But he has indicated he kind of wants to have a more flexible working life approach. That’s just not possible. I’m just a junior minister and I work seven days a week – often close to 20 hour days at a time. So it is slightly concerning that is the approach he is taking”.
The Tory Minister then went on to complain that some parts of the media portray MPs as “lazy” – despite hitting out at Mr Starmer’s work ethic just moments earlier.
The row came after Mr Starmer told Virgin Radio that he and his wife “have had a strategy in place and we will try to keep to it… and that is to care out really protected time for the kids”. He added: “So on a Friday – I’ve been doing this for years – I will not do a work-related thing after 6 o’clock, pretty well come what may.”
He then pointed out there would be “exceptions”, adding: “But that’s what we do. My son goes kickboxing and so I often take him there. My daughter goes swimming and cheerleading now, so I have been to see her in cheerleading competitions.”
Mr Starmer continued: “One, I am a dad and I love them. They’re my pride and joy and I don’t want to lose that time. Two, I don’t believe in the theory that you’re a better decision-maker if you don’t allow yourself the space to be a dad and have fun with your kids. Actually, it helps me. It takes me away from the pressure, it relaxes me and I think actually, not only is that what I want to do as a dad, it is better.
The criticism from Tory MPs comes less than a fortnight after Mr Sunak lavished praise on Mr Starmer for trying to spend time with his family. Asked on LBC what he admired about his rival, the PM said: “These jobs all take a toll on everyone’s family. He does a very good job of balancing work life and family life. That’s a nice thing.”