Watch Keir Starmer dodge questions from The Sun over claims he broke lockdown rules as he insists ‘of course not’

SIR Keir Starmer beat a hasty retreat from questions over claims his voice coach broke the law to train him during lockdown.

Confronted by The Sun in Brussels, the PM said “of course not” when asked if he had broken the rules but quickly exited a NATO press conference to avoid further scrutiny.

He muttered “all the rules were followed” as he made for the door amid a barrage of questions from journalists.

Furious Tories are demanding an independent probe after claims emerged that the Labour leader brought in a voice coach to help with his speeches during strict Tier 4 restrictions.

A new book alleges Sir Keir designated former actress Leonie Mellinger as an “essential worker” so she could visit Labour HQ.

This is despite rules at the time banning non-essential workers from in-person meetings.

Allies of Sir Keir insist people were allowed to go to work if required and his actions were in line with the rules. 

He was responding to Boris Johnson‘s Brexit deal on the day in question.

But at a press briefing today, the PM’s official spokesman repeatedly declined to comment, insisting it was a matter from opposition.

Asked whether the PM considered his voice coach to be a key worker, the spokesman replied: “I’m not going to get into any matter to do with the opposition, the Prime Minister is focused on delivering the government’s priorities and the people’s priorities.”

Asked whether Sir Keir kept to lockdown rules at all times, No10 repeated: “As I say I’m not going to get into matters to do with matters from opposition.”

Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden blasted: “It’s simply not good enough for the PM’s spokesperson to try to dismiss, dodge and dissemble when faced with legitimate questions about whether the PM broke Covid rules.”

“Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly claimed he’d followed all the rules and even promised to step down if he was found to have broken any.

“These revelations suggest he misled the public and disregarded the law while people across our country made immense sacrifices. “

He added: “With so many questions to answer, Sir Keir needs to come clean and appoint an independent investigator without delay now even his own spokesman is refusing to answer even the most basic of questions.”

The Tories also posted on social media: “What is he hiding?

 “Keir Starmer wrote to civil servants in July saying his government would be one “of openness, of collaboration and transparency in everything we do”.

“Yet today it seems he has ordered his civil service spokesperson to keep quiet.”

It’s not the first time Sir Keir has faced accusations of breaking Covid rules.

In April 2021, he was caught on camera enjoying a boozy curry with 15 others while restrictions were in place.

But after an investigation, Durham Constabulary cleared him, ruling the gathering was for work purposes.