Keir Starmer to miss PMQs after testing positive for Covid a second time

Labour leader has tested positive for coronavirus for the second time in just three months

Sir Keir Starmer will miss Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday afternoon, after testing positive for Covid. It is the second time the Labour leader has tested positive, and the sixth time he has had to isolate during the pandemic. Angela Rayner will deputise for Sir Keir. The Labour Leader last tested positive for the virus in October 2021, where he was forced to miss the budget and PMQs. Fifteen minutes before, Ed Miliband was drafted in to cover Prime Minister's Questions, with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves stepping in to respond to Rishi Sunak's budget. Sir Keir's positive test comes the day after the UK recorded its highest ever number of positive Coronavirus cases, recording a staggering 218,724 on Tuesday. He will be forced to isolate for seven days, assuming he tests negative on days six and seven. Today's isolation will come as a fresh blow to Sir Keir, who only yesterday launched his new "contract" with the British people, promising a Labour party that can deliver "security, prosperity and respect". Prime Minister's Questions is scheduled for the later time of 3PM today, as the House of Commons reconvenes at 2.30PM following the Winter break.

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