Keir Starmer made Boris Johnson look slow and bumbling at PMQs

The Labour leader was sharp and effective while quizzing the prime minister in the Commons, writes John Rentoul

The Labour leader raised his game after last week’s embarrassment (Reuters TV)

Keir Starmer ought to have a bad week more often. Last week’s mistake during PMQs, when he lost his temper in self-righteous indignation because he failed to pay attention to what Boris Johnson was actually saying, prompted him to raise his game today. This time he was sharp, quick, relaxed and effective. 

He asked if the prime minister could give companies the certainty of knowing that business rate relief would be extended beyond March. You will have to wait for the Budget, Johnson predictably replied. 

“Businesses don’t work as slowly as the prime minister,” responded Starmer, driving home the message that Johnson has been consistently too slow in his handling of the coronavirus. “He doesn’t need to leave everything to the 11th minute.” He meant the 11th hour – to respond to crises at the 11th minute of the hour would normally be considered quite fast – but the point was nevertheless underscored.