The Conservative Party has launched a series of attacks on Labour leader Keir Starmer, questioning his stamina and energy for the election campaign. Senior Tory sources have branded Starmer as 'Sleepy Keir' and 'Sir Sleepy,' suggesting his age, 61, is a factor in his apparent absence from campaigning. These attacks echo tactics used by former US President Donald Trump against Joe Biden. Starmer has dismissed these claims as 'desperate' and stated that the Tories are rummaging around for ideas because they lack a clear strategy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, 44, has not distanced himself from these attacks, although he emphasized the importance of substance over such criticisms. This comes ahead of a G7 meeting where Sunak will meet Biden, who was previously praised by Sunak for his decades of experience.
NEW Sunak has refused to distance himself from his campaign's attacks on Starmer's age. Tory sources have been calling Starmer "sleepy Keir" and "Sir Sleepy." PM refused multiple chances to dis-endorse the attacks, but added he was "not familiar with his sleeping patterns"
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer says he "couldn't care less" about the Tories briefing he's too old for campaigning "I couldn’t care less. I think they’re rummaging around in the toy box of ideas because they haven’t got a clue, they haven’t got any strategy" [@AnushkaAsthana]
Interesting that Sunak doesn’t join in on these attack lines. It appears to be borrowing on the ‘sleepy Joe’ Trump takedown of Biden. The problem with it is Starmer is only 61 and in every appearance to date has seemed energetic and engaged, as has the PM https://t.co/YvBsSzMXGU
The Tories are attacking Keir Starmer, 61 on the grounds of his age, variously calling him 'sleepy Keir' and 'Sir sleepy' & claiming that he doesn't have the stamina for the campaign But Sunak, 44, isn't willing to go there at all. 'The substance is what matters at this…
Sir Keir Starmer says claims he lacks the stamina for an election campaign were ‘desperate’ https://t.co/Pxa5qKa3a2
Keir Starmer Blasts Rishi Sunak's 'Desperation' And 'Weakness' https://t.co/e5R3sO1oJa
Telegraph: The Tories have called you weary & sleepy Keir... how do you respond to those charges? 🤦 Keir Starmer: "We've been waiting for this for 4 years.. I've wasted 9 years of my life in opposition... Sunak claiming he's the only person with a plan, is farcical.. " https://t.co/VgLmf0aB1b
Tory source doubles down on "Sleepy Keir" strategy: "Keir pushed back his press conference this morning because he wanted another half an hour in bed." https://t.co/UzN6b2fK3O
Rishi Sunak, who used to work for a Conservative Prime Minister who needed "power naps" in order to get through a working day, labels the Labour leader "Sleepy Keir" https://t.co/uXqF8Fceav
When asked to respond to Tory claims that he is 'too tired' and 'not tough enough' Sir Keir Starmer tells @AnushkaAsthana that the Tories are 'desperate' and 'rummaging around toy box coming up with military service' https://t.co/6SS7ZKuf7M
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer has rejected claims he is “sleepy Keir” and lacks energy for the election campaign [@Steven_Swinford]
Keir Starmer rejects Tory claims he is 'sleepy Keir' and doesn't have energy for election campaign 'You’ve seen the energy that not only I but the whole team are putting into this election 'I’ve had a smile on my face since January 1, 2024 because I knew this was going to be…
Keir Starmer says Tories are “just so desperate” after suggesting he’s tired b/c of age - attempt to adopt Trump attack line against ‘Sleepy’ Joe Biden (20yrs older). Our @kiranstacey’s revelation on Fri that Sunak was taking day off campaign after shaky start got CCHQ’s goat.
Tories continue to borrow from Trump's playbook as anonymous sources try to brand Starmer as 'Sleepy Keir' and 'Sir Sleepy' in pathetic digs this morning
Keir Starmer describes Tory attacks on his stamina and age as "desperate" - more on those attacks here: https://t.co/m1QddgKCb2
Keir Starmer denies he is too tired for the race to be PM after being branded “Sir Sleepy” by Tories. Says: “They are just so desperate. They are rummaging around in the toy box”
Might make things a bit awkward when Rishi Sunak meets Joe Biden at the G7 in a couple weeks! Last summer Sunak was telling 80 yro Biden it was "incredibly helpful" he had so many decades of experience... now his campaign is deploying Trump's nickname against 61yro Starmer https://t.co/fLS0WeHEO8
Sir Keir Starmer branded ‘Sir Sleepy’ after disappearing off the campaign trail https://t.co/vxxNkhQwmt
Senior Tory source: “Yesterday the PM hit the campaign trail 2 hours before Sir Keir surfaced. Today there’s no sign of Starmer and we’re just 4 days into the campaign. Campaigns are tough, tiring things and it's understandable that he may be weary. But being PM is a 24/7 job.”
🚨 NEW: The Tories have suggested Keir Starmer’s age is to blame for his apparent absence from campaigning today [@MrHarryCole]
Tories questioning where Starmer is today... with what appears to be a dig about his age... "understandable that he may be weary"... Senior Conservative campaign source: "Yesterday the PM hit the campaign trail two hours before Sir Keir surfaced. Today there is no sign of…