Keir Starmer’s mother-in-law dies two weeks after accident

Frontrunner in race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn had suspended campaigning over weekend

Keir Starmer (PA)

The mother-in-law of Labour leadership candidate Sir Keir Starmer has died as a result of an accident which hospitalised her two weeks ago.

The frontrunner in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn suspended campaigning over the weekend because his wife's mother Barbara was in intensive care in St Mary's Hospital in west London. She died in hospital on Saturday.

Sir Keir missed a hustings event with other candidates in Nottingham on Saturday, while a similar question and answer session with activists planned for Dudley on Sunday was cancelled.

Following the announcement of the death by leadership campaign chair Jenny Chapman, sources in Sir Keir's team said no decision had been taken on when campaigning would resume.

Former Labour MP Ms Chapman said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Keir Starmer and his family.

“Keir’s mother-in-law died yesterday following an accident two weeks ago. Thank you to everyone for being so kind and supportive and for respecting his family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

Starmer said: "No words can express the depth of our thanks to all the incredible staff at St Mary’s Hospital intensive care unit for the care and support they provided to our family these past two weeks."

Mr Corbyn sent a message of sympathy via Twitter to his shadow cabinet colleague and wife Victoria.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with Vicky, Keir and their family after the death of Vicky's mum, Barbara," said the Labour leader. "All in the Labour Party send love and solidarity."

Sir Keir pulled out of campaign events for a number of days in January immediately after his mother-in-law’s accident. At the time the shadow Brexit secretary thanked people for their “support and kindness” in what he said was a “very difficult time” for him and his family.