Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been subjected to widespread online criticism after posting a video of himself kicking a football through Downing Street. The clip was shared on his X account ahead of England's World Cup match against Mexico.
In the video, a security guard is seen kicking a football through the doors of No. 10, which then rolls past Larry the cat and towards Starmer. After speaking into a microphone, Starmer stops the ball with his foot and kicks it towards the camera as Elvis Presley's 'A Little Less Conversation' plays. The video concludes with three England flags.
Critics on social media pointed out the irony of Starmer, who is on the verge of leaving office, posting the video. Starmer, who conceded he is not the best person to lead Labour into the next general election, is set to step down as Prime Minister on July 20, the day after the World Cup final. His departure follows his resignation last month.
Users on X reacted to the video with comments such as, "You've already scored an own goal, so just pack your bags and FO," and "Your videos get more and more cringe. #Useless." Another user suggested, "Well the song is on point, maybe if you acted in the way we pay you to people might actually respect you."
This incident follows similar online backlash when Starmer posted about England's win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. His message, "It might actually be coming home," accompanied by an England flag, was met with responses like, "It's coming home, and you are going home - BYE!" and "If 'it' is your P45 then yes, you are correct."