Labour leadership frontrunner Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled campaign events on Thursday and Friday due to an accident involving his mother-in-law.
A spokesman for Sir Keir said: “Following an accident, Keir Starmer’s mother-in-law is critically ill and has been admitted to hospital in intensive care.
“In order to support his family at this difficult time, Keir will be cancelling all campaign events today and tomorrow. We ask that his family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
His campaign did not release any further details about the incident. Sir Keir, 57, married his wife Victoria in 2007 and they live in North London with two children.
Fellow leadership hopeful Rebecca Long-Bailey tweeted shortly after: "Very sorry to hear the news about @Keir_Starmer’s mother in law. We’re sending all of our love and solidarity to Keir and the family."
Emily Thornberry, another rival in the race, said: “My thoughts are with Keir and his wife Victoria, and especially their children, at this hugely difficult and emotional time.
“I hope Victoria’s mum is getting the best of care, and makes a quick and full recovery.”
The MP for Holborn and St Pancras has stormed ahead of his rivals to replace Jeremy Corbyn, earning the significant backing of Unison, Britain's largest trade union, and at least 18 Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs).
However, he has also faced criticism in the campaign over his pro-Remain stance.
Before the shock announcement on Thursday lunchtime, the shadow Brexit secretary had earlier set out his bid for "another future".
“This is the beginning of the campaign, but I’m honoured to be receiving support from CLPs across the whole of the country," he said.
“From Leave seats to Remain seats, towns to cities, there is hope within our party that another future is possible.”
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