KEIR'S PAIN
Keir Starmer’s brother dies on Boxing Day after cancer battle as PM pays heartfelt tribute to ‘a wonderful man’
The PM thanked everyone who cared for Nick
PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer's brother Nick has died after a cancer battle.
The PM has today paid tribute to his "wonderful" younger brother, who died on Boxing Day aged 60.
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Sir Keir, 62, said: "My brother Nick was a wonderful man. He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour.
"We will miss him very much. I would like to thank all those who treated and took care of Nick."
In a statement, Sir Keir added: "Their skill and compassion is very much appreciated."
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Starmer.
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"Nick, 60, died peacefully on the afternoon of December 26 after battling cancer."
The spokesperson added: "We ask for privacy for Nick’s wider family at this time."
The PM had been set to go on holiday with his family today but it is understood he will now stay at home.
Nick and Sir Keir grew up together with their two sisters and their parents.
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Sir Keir told his biographer Tom Baldwin: "I shared a bunk bed with my brother in a room with an airing cupboard.
"There was just enough space for a couple of small desks where we’d do our homework."
Nick had learning difficulties after complications at birth and was bullied at school.
It is understood Nick received a technical qualification and worked in scrap cars and scaffolding in later life.
Sir Keir said: "We were a family of six, so it didn’t feel lonely and I shared a room with him.
"But Nick didn’t have many friends and got called ‘thick’ or ‘stupid’ by other kids."
The PM added: "Even now I try to avoid using words like that to describe anyone."
Sir Keir also recalled how his father, Rodney, told him that due to the challenges he faced: "Nick has achieved as much as you, Keir."
The PM once said: "The whole thing is so poignant. Nick has had a really tough life. So that dream our mum and dad had for us hasn’t come true.
"There’s this real, deep sadness in me about that for my brother, and for them.”
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