Not so much a political commentary here or asking about people's voting intentions, but more about Starmer's personality- a lot of the press seems to paint Keir Starmer out to be "posh" and "boring / grey", however it seems he really isn't either of those things - having just read an extract from a biography of him. I had no idea how challenging his childhood was, his brothers needs, schoolyard fights or how emotionally abusive his father was - not letting them have tv in the house, insisting on silence at the dinner table, no hugging or warmth. I knew about his mums poor health but not to the extent that she / they suffered. It must have bed. So hard for the children.
I found it interesting that he hasn't really "mined" any of these experiences to sell himself and has kept most of it largely private. He's talked about his mums health and his dad being a toolmaker but hasn't shared much else and often comes across as somewhat rigid and dull. In some ways I suppose it's refreshing that he doesn't go on about his upbringing - a contrast to the likes of "Spare" etc - but also I feel he's not coming across as who he truly is. I now think so much more of him having read this and was quite surprised by it all.
If anyone's interested the link is here www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dee0d8b7-c480-4882-a0f2-4f31300f2c02?shareToken=b2a4a731e2c198fb2abafef4137744f8