Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer finds himself at the centre of a police investigation following an incident captured on camera during election campaign preparations. The potential driving offence occurred while Starmer was behind the wheel of a campaign bus in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The Huntingdon Bus Incident
According to reports from Sky News, footage appears to show Sir Keir using a mobile phone while driving the distinctive Labour-branded vehicle. The incident has prompted Cambridgeshire Constabulary to launch a formal investigation into whether any traffic laws were breached.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media and are investigating the circumstances." The investigation comes at a sensitive time for the Labour leader as he prepares for upcoming electoral contests.
Timing and Political Implications
The timing of this investigation could prove particularly awkward for Starmer, who has positioned himself as a law-and-order candidate and former Director of Public Prosecutions. The revelation emerges just as political campaigning intensifies across the country.
Witnesses reported seeing the Labour leader operating the large vehicle through Huntingdon streets while apparently engaged with a mobile device. Such actions would contravene Rule 149 of the Highway Code, which strictly prohibits using handheld devices while driving.
Police Investigation Underway
Cambridgeshire Constabulary has taken the lead in examining the evidence, though British Transport Police may also be consulted given the vehicle's classification. The force emphasised that all reports of traffic violations are taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
Legal experts suggest that if found guilty of the offence, Starmer could face the standard penalty of six points on his licence and a £200 fine - though exceptional circumstances might allow for a driver awareness course as an alternative.
The Labour Party has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing police investigation and the specific circumstances surrounding the filmed incident.
