How does Kier Starmer do it?!

[sausageupanalley]

I am a similar age to him and am constantly knackered and am just utterly impressed by how the politicians such as Kier Starmer do it?!

Just looking at his last few days, on Weds/Thurs he flew to America and back for possibly one of the most important meetings there has been for the UK in a very long time. Then he flies back and meets Zelensky on Saturday which after what happened in the oval office was also an unbelievably diplomatically sensitive meeting. Then today he's just been on the Laura Kunsberg show and has left and is about to go and meet/host a meeting for European leaders!
He must be having to hold all sorts of other high level diplomatic discussions in between as well as keeping up to date on other briefings and then not to mention getting some sleep, if possible with all that going on and trying to see his family too. I have so much respect for it as it must be unbelievably stressful and tiring. I know your legacy would be part of history but they don't get paid that much, just wondering how on earth they do it!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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'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.

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.

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

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

All PMs look like they’ve aged 20 years after a 5 year stint. It’s easy to see why.

I think he's allowed to let other people do those kind of things for him, he's got far more important things to be spending his time on...

Agree totally. He must be absolutely exhausted and it must have taken a lot of strength to sit there and be verbally attacked by Trump and his sidekick and not retaliate with a few home truths. He handled it well and was very dignified. I have nothing but total admiration and respect for Zelensky. He is a fine example of a true leader!

Meanwhile, Trump and Vance are taking timeout golfing and skiing to recharge their batteries.

I agree with this completely.

Look at these photos of presidents before and after office - that's what several years of high level politics does to a person.

www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/career/g3918/presidents-before-and-after-office/

Surely the fact he’s a man (no hormones, less family mental load, focus-back to hormones etc) would be a huge factor in his gusto.

Hes also very wealthy so when he gets to switch off he does so in luxury (great food, expensive therapy, expensive breaks away),

When he travels it’ll be on/off planes, trains and automobiles so no long queues like us peasants 😅

He’s largely looked after, won’t even have to make his own brew. I admire anyone that can dedicate that much time and energy into their work, however, he has another world supporting him.

I also think that some people are incredibly effective at using time and planning well, plus have good health and no sleep issues.

Because he does bugger all else. He won't be travelled cattle class either.

This.

I mean I can’t even imagine the magnitude of the job but I’m sure he doesn’t have to empty and fill the dishwasher, do the hoovering and laundry, sort out packed lunches, scrub the toilet, as well!