Sunday’s World Cup final could see Keir Starmer crowned as the first Prime Minister in more than 80 years to see England lift a World Cup as Prime Minister
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer could spend his final day as leader flying around the world – at the expense of the taxpayer. With expected-Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaching the overwhelming majority number of Labour MPs needed to take over as Labour leader this week, the final date for Starmer’s Premiership will be July 20.
That, dear readers, is the day after the World Cup final, and could see him crowned as the first Prime Minister in more than 80 years to see England lift a World Cup as Prime Minister. And he could also announce a Bank Holiday for his final day if they do win the big trophy.
According to The Times, Downing Street officials are looking at how to get the Arsenal-loving football-mad Prime Minister to the United States for the final should England thrash Argentina tomorrow night.
They claim that the trip is possible due to time differences, which would see him fly to the US before the game, which should end by 6pm UK time at the latest, before then rushing back to Newark Library Airport for a seven-hour overnight flight back to London on a Government plane, usually the RAF Voyager (Vespina).
He would then pretty much go straight to Downing Street to give his final speech outside the famous black door. He’ll then head to Buckingham Palace to say his final goodbyes to King Charles, before immediately heading back before handing the keys over to Andy Burnham.
A Downing Street source told The Times: “The timing meant there would be no need to postpone the handover of power, but final details of the plan are still being drawn up.”
When he’ll announce a Bank Holiday, however, remains to be scene but the Prime Minister all-but confirmed he wants to reward the nation with an extra day off if Thomas Tuchel’s men end 60 years of hurt.
Asked if he’d grant a bank holiday if England wins, football-mad Starmer told reporters at the Nato summit last week: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
It would not automatically fall on the Monday after the final, which is Starmer’s last day in office before he hands the keys to No10 to Andy Burnham. Instead, it would likely be held on the Friday after the World Cup final.
That would also coincide with a victory parade for the England team, who are unlikely to make it back to the UK from New Jersey until Monday if they do make it to the final.