A Bollywood break for PM but home truths loom

PICTURES of Sir Keir Starmer were festooned throughout Mumbai this week as Indian PM Narendra Modi gave his British counterpart a welcome he will never forget.

- DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

Around 5,700 posters were printed and dancers performed along the route from the airport to celebrate his arrival.

Nothing like this happened when Sir Keir turned up in Liverpool for the Labour Party conference.

Last week’s gathering was marred by speculation the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, would bid for his job.

Dire poll ratings against Reform UK and a stagnant economy have made the PM look vulnerable in Britain — but in Mumbai he was greeted as a colossus on the global stage. It must do wonders for your self-esteem.