Sir Keir Starmer, the former Prime Minister, has stated he feels "more relaxed" since relinquishing power. The 63-year-old participated in a football match with friends, including comic and actor Hugh Dennis, in North London. The game took place amidst a summer heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
Starmer, an avowed Arsenal supporter, wore the club's kit for the match. He was observed appearing to feel the heat at one point during the game.
As a backbench MP, Starmer is expected to have more leisure time compared to his period leading the country, during which his public appearances were less frequent. While in Downing Street, he typically wore Gaelic football attire rather than club colours, a practice that now allows him to avoid potentially alienating supporters of rival teams.
A recent poll indicates that the Labour party is experiencing improved performance under its current leader, Andy Burnham. The Mail's poll-of-polls places Labour at 25 percent, one point ahead of Nigel Farage's Reform party, which is currently contesting a by-election in the Clacton constituency.
This shift appears to be influenced by voters on the hard left moving away from the Green Party in favor of Labour. Zack Polanski's party, which had earlier in the year shown potential to challenge major parties, has seen a decline in its popularity.
Since succeeding Sir Keir Starmer last month, Mr. Burnham has advocated for a more left-leaning direction for the Labour party. His policy proposals include the construction of thousands of new council houses and the devolution of power from Westminster to the North of England.
Upon returning from a holiday, Mr. Burnham is scheduled to begin a national tour to solicit public input on how the government can enhance citizens' lives. Officials have stated that the Prime Minister will be in a "listening mode" during his travels across the country for the remainder of August, focusing on discussions about the cost of living and the improvement of high streets.