Budget 2021: Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer loses the debate after the positive Covid test

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer had to skip the prime minister’s budget and questions after testing positive for coronavirus.

As the leader of the opposition, he should have responded to the chancellor’s statement on the government’s spending plans.

Instead Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves took her place at the letterbox in the House of Commons.

Previously, Ed Miliband, Labor’s shadow environment secretary, replaced Sir Keir for the prime minister’s questions.

Mr. Miliband has already represented Labor at the PMQ after leading the party between 2010 and 2015.

Rising to question Boris Johnson, he said it was “just like the old days”, adding that he wanted to reassure both sides of the House that it was “just once”.

In a clip released by Labor, Sir Keir said he felt fine but was “gutted” that he couldn’t do it to the Commons.

He praised his two substitutes for their “brilliant” performances.

This is the fifth time Sir Keir has had to self-isolate since the start of the pandemic, the last time in July, when one of his sons tested positive.