Mrs Starmer goes to Sandown Races for the Eclipse

For Victoria Starmer, however, it was a very different day. Though doubtless as sleep deprived as her husband after the drama of Thursday night’s election results, she chose not to spend the day recovering – or packing. Instead, she headed to Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey with friends, where she watched the Coral Eclipse horse race.

It is hard to imagine a spin doctor choosing a day at the races as the first public appearance for a new Labour PM’s wife. But as Britain is coming to learn, the Starmers intend to do things differently. Victoria Starmer has been a huge flat-racing fan since childhood, having been introduced to the sport by her mother, who grew up near Doncaster racecourse. Her husband may have a big job, but she has her own life and interests – and she fully plans to maintain them.