How does Kier Starmer do it?!

Agree with all the comments about how they age. It’s exhausting cognitively, emotionally and physically I would imagine. Same with being a spouse or child of a family under that level of scrutiny all the time. No genuine breaks until you fade out of public interest

The way he said "I know, I know" to Putin's barbs was just heartbreaking.
Imagine treating someone like that.

Yep, I think most of the UK population probably wanted to give Zelensky that hug. It was nice to see a bit of normal human compassion from a leader.

He must be exhausted from the pace of his schedule and the incredibly high tension of it all. There is so much pressure on him right now. I think he is rising to the challenge very well at the moment, but I hope that he has good support around him and manages to find time to wind down.

It's easy to forget sometimes that our leaders are just human beings like the rest of us. I think that's partly why there was such a visceral reaction from most of us in response to the horrific ambush that we witnessed in the Oval Office on Friday. Just how much shit can we reasonably expect one man to take without him breaking.

I've long thought that people who do all kinds of intense jobs, and at a high level must be predisposed to not need much sleep/downtime. Even just thinking about the training doctors do makes me exhausted!
So I guess people who can easily cope would be more attracted to those jobs.

What we have is a good man.leading this country, a man with morals and compassion and a real desire to do good. It's been a while...

I agree, he must be exhausted. Just because he doesn't have to pack his own bag or put the bins out doesn't mean he doesn't suffer jet lag. You can sleep 8 hours on a plane and still have it. All the putting g the bins put time is spent being briefed, having meetings, planning strategy.

If he had a holiday he'd probably be criticised for it being the 'wrong' holiday too.

I'm glad to hear that he is still managing to do that.

His long legal background has put him in a great position to lead and manage such personalities. Jd Vance could/ should learn a lot from him. That is if he weren't up his own arse

I have to say I've been rather impressed how he's managed to navigate such a diplomatic minefield with relatively positive results in terms of managing relationships.
I can't even imagine Sunak or his predecessors doing it so deftly.

I'm thinking this might be when we see Keir as a true leader.
I wasn't sure for the first months but I'm seeing seriousness, capability and some compassion.i thought the warm hug with Zelensky was really kind and compassionate. Maybe that's what has been missing, some heart in his leadership.

Plus the jet lag. They must be having red bull on a drip.

It's why it needs a "special" kind of person to want to go into high level politics. And why there are so few "normal" MPs willing to put themselves up for cabinet roles.

Agree 100% He is a decent man- not the most charismatic but hey, we need a steady hand. Wish people would give him a chance.

Yes I remember thinking the same about King Charles when he became king and engagements would take hours and hours. He did look weary though.

I thought similar when Charles became king. I know he’s nowhere near as busy but I did ponder when everyone else is winding down in their 70s, having to do all these things.

I often think this of PMs/presidents, especially as most are not particularly young when they're in office. I can't imagine not ever having the time to just sit and stare out of a window and let your mind go blank, or to be able to go for a wander for no real purpose. Just as well I'm not in a high pressure job!

But yes, having absolutely everything else done for you makes it possible I suppose, if you're lucky enough to be in good health and be blessed with a sharp mind.

True. The Good Friday Agreement alone took it out of him. That was such a critical time.

Imagine having that level of responsibility. You just don't know what's going to happen.

Look at prime ministers at the beginning of tenure and then afterwards. With , perhaps, the exception of John Major and Theresa May they look like husks of the people they were before they went into office .

They burn bright and high whilst in office then pay the price. You often see this in people when they retire , the minute they stop working the lights dim.

I'm guessing it's easier when you almost certainly have a full sized bed on the plane.

I think this is why a stint as PM ages a person so much. Look at Blair from the beginning to the end of his time in office.

But that's true of all politicians and a lot if business owners where they simply can't just stop and have a rest. They need to be on top of physical form, mobile and ready to travel constantly and be mentally focused.
I don't think everyone would be able to perform at that level of pressure and constant active engagement. That's why these sort of individuals are where they are.
And, absolutely, I agree with the other comments. They must have an environment where they don't deal with the normal day to day stuff themselves.

Exactly.
He’s told where he has to be and he’s taken there. He doesn’t have to check AA route planner first, figure out what time to set off, and pack a bag.

He has zero mental load regarding domestic chores. He’ll have numerous PAs who manage his diary. All he has to do is wash, dress and feed himself - using toiletries bought by someone else, clothes washed and ironed by someone else, and food bought/prepared by someone else.

I’m not saying it’s an easy life because it certainly isn’t, but in terms of being busy, I don’t think it’s any harder than a basic working mum. Just take a moment and think of how much of your time is spent just running the home and keeping everyone warm/fed/dressed/safe/educated/happy. Now imagine all of that is done by someone else!

I don't think he's had a break either. Election campaigns are grueling and rather than the US you're straight in the job the next day. Politicians usually have a summer break but Starmer cancelled his due to the riots after Southport. Then at Christmas his brother died so he didn't get a holiday then.

He must be knackered.

Since when only Starmer does this? It goes with the job. Politicians at that level are having to work like that. When they are campaigning and most of the time.

Exactly. Having a sensible adult in power after a period of populist idiocy is a bit like withdrawing from a narcotic. Things seem a bit colourless and lacking in drama. This is not a bad thing.