Keir Starmer's mother-in-law is "critically ill" in intensive care after being involved in an accident, a spokesman for the Labour leadership candidate has announced.
Sir Keir, 57, cancelled all campaign events for two days to support his family after the incident, the details of which have not been released.
A spokesman for the Labour leadership hopeful issued a statement at lunchtime today, which 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."
Sir Keir's campaign did not give any more details of the incident. It is understood they only released a statement to prevent speculation when he cancels events.
Sir Keir married his wife Victoria in 2007. The couple have two children and live in North London, according to the Ham & High.
The Labour leadership candidate keeps his family out of the public eye and does not generally comment on his private life.
However, he has spoken about how his upbringing shaped his politics.
Sir Keir recently told the Mirror how his own mother's illness forced him to confront the importance of Britain's health service.
He said: “My mum contracted Stills disease when she was 11. It’s when your immune system turns on itself.
“She was told she wouldn’t be able to walk when she was in her 20s.
“She was the longest patient on steroids in the history of Britain.
“It allowed her to walk in her 20s and 30s. It took a terrible toll on her.
“I spent a lot of my time in high-dependency units with my mum watching nurses saving her life.
“I saw that as a child, I saw it as a teenager. It is very, very personal.”
