UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer loses brother to cancer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to his younger brother Nick, who passed away on Boxing Day at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.
Sir Keir, 62, had planned to travel with his family for a holiday today but is now expected to remain at home during this difficult time.
In a touching statement, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Nick and reflected on his brother’s resilience and humour.
“My brother Nick was a wonderful man. He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour,” Sir Keir said.
“We will miss him very much. I would like to thank all those who treated and took care of Nick. Their skill and compassion is very much appreciated.”
A spokesman for the Prime Minister shared the sad news: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nick Starmer. Nick, 60, died peacefully on the afternoon of December 26 after battling cancer. We ask for privacy for Nick’s wider family at this time.”
“Nick was dealt a very different set of cards to me, and he’s had problems all his life—problems I’ve never had to face. I admire him, not in spite of the way his life has taken another course to mine, but because of it,” Sir Keir shared in his biography.
He recalled how their father would often emphasize Nick’s achievements: “I remember Dad saying to me many, many times, ‘Nick has achieved as much as you, Keir.’”
Growing up, the two brothers shared a bunk bed until Sir Keir was 18.
Reflecting on Nick’s school experience, he noted, “They had no expectation of him or anything, and I’m not sure he even sat exams, so he had nothing to show for coming out of education.”
Despite the challenges, Nick went on to marry, with Sir Keir Starmer serving as his best man.
Sir Keir’s support extended throughout Nick’s life, helping him purchase a home in Yorkshire in 2021 using proceeds from their parents’ estate.
Nick’s health deteriorated in recent years, with Sir Keir temporarily stepping away from his political duties in 2022 to visit him in the hospital.
He later thanked medics during a meeting of the Pancreatic Society, stating, “I hope you know what it means to me and my family.”
Sir Keir’s reflections in his biography highlighted the emotional weight of his brother’s struggles.
“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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