FOR the past week there has been fevered speculation within the Westminster village following the brief airing of an online video, which was mysteriously deleted almost as soon as it appeared.
Filmed on a phone and running to a mere 27 seconds, it has the date stamp of 09.07.2018 and shows a group of Morris dancers performing energetically outside a pub called the Turner’s Arms in Holborn.
So far, so unremarkable, except for one tantalising aspect, between 19 and 22 seconds, when the camera zooms in on one of the Morris men, who bears an uncanny resemblance to our current Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP.
At first glance, such a story seems preposterous. However, what has given it impetus is the little-known fact that Sir Keir’s father Rodney, the renowned Toolmaker, was Squire of the Reigate Morris Dancers between 1968-1974.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson and the No 10 press office have steadfastly refused to be drawn on the issue. However several colleagues close to the Prime Minister, while not wishing to talk on the record, were happy to confirm that the footage is indeed genuine.
It appears that the Prime Minister would like his unusual pastime to remain private, perhaps feeling that confirmation might expose him to ridicule and render him an easy target for sub-editors with headlines such as ‘Pull the other one Prime Minister – it’s got bells on’, or ‘PM leads the country a merry dance’.
However, aficionados – who feel a distinguished association would lend this declining custom a much-needed fillip, should not despair. We have it on extremely good authority that the Downing Street Chief of Staff is currently in advanced talks with the BBC to facilitate Sir Keir taking part in a live fund-raising Morris Dance at year’s Children in Need.
If true, it could be a momentous occasion and would certainly transform how people view this somewhat aloof, rule bound and cold politician – something he and his party would no doubt relish.
