Sir Keir Starmer's debut Prime Minister's Questions performance was overshadowed by a noticeable head cold and what political observers described as a curiously detached, robotic delivery that failed to ignite the Commons chamber.
A Nasal Debut in the Hot Seat
The newly elected Labour leader appeared in Parliament for his first PMQs since taking office, but his voice betrayed the effects of a summer cold. Journalist Quentin Letts noted the Prime Minister spoke with a 'bunged-up nose' and resembled 'an oblong potato' in his delivery style.
Conservative MPs watched with barely concealed amusement as Sir Keir delivered his responses in what critics called a monotonous drone. The performance stood in stark contrast to the energetic exchanges typically seen during these weekly parliamentary showdowns.
Lacklustre Performance Raises Eyebrows
Despite the historic nature of the occasion - the first PMQs with a Labour prime minister in fourteen years - the session failed to generate significant political fireworks. Sir Keir's supporters offered polite applause, but the overall atmosphere remained subdued.
The Prime Minister's delivery was characterised by a noticeable lack of variation in tone and pace, leading to questions about whether his illness or natural speaking style was to blame for the flat performance.
Sunak's Return as Opposition Leader
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made his first appearance as Leader of the Opposition, taking his seat on the opposite side of the dispatch box in a symbolic moment of political role reversal. The Conservative front bench appeared notably thinner following their electoral defeat.
Political commentators suggested that while Sir Keir may have been hampered by his cold, the performance raised questions about his ability to command the chamber and land effective political blows against his opponents.
As Parliament moves into summer recess, all eyes will be on whether the new Prime Minister can recover both his health and his parliamentary presence before the autumn session begins.
