A Day at the Races: Victoria Starmer Steps Out of the Political Spotlight and Into the World of Horseracing
Victoria Starmer, wife of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, recently took a rare moment away from the political limelight to indulge in one of her lifelong passions — horseracing. Dressed in a stylish floral green ensemble that subtly echoed the turf, she was seen enjoying the Coral-Eclipse race at Sandown Park in Surrey, one of British flat racing’s most prestigious events. The race was won by City of Troy, the recent Derby champion, adding to the excitement of the day.
Her love for horseracing is not only personal but deeply rooted in family tradition. Victoria inherited this passion from her late mother, Barbara, who hailed from Doncaster — a town synonymous with equestrian sports. In fact, Victoria’s grandmother once lived on the edge of the famous Doncaster racecourse. This connection remains close to home; a photo of the finishing post at Doncaster racecourse hangs proudly on the kitchen wall of the Starmer family home in Kentish Town, North London.
Speaking about his wife’s affinity for the sport, the Prime Minister remarked, “Vic’s mum had horseracing in her blood and Vic loves it too. She loves flat racing.” True to form, Victoria appeared completely at ease among fellow racegoers, chatting animatedly and sporting a relaxed look. Her outfit — a Lantana flower-print drawstring maxi-dress from Me+Em priced at £227.50 — was paired with Gucci sunglasses (£275) and a navy Longchamp tote bag (£120). The green floral print offered a refreshing contrast to the bold reds she has frequently worn since her husband assumed leadership of the Labour Party.
A Signature Style Emerges
Since Labour’s sweeping victory in the recent General Election, Victoria has made several high-profile appearances, each time carefully curating her wardrobe to reflect both personal taste and public symbolism. Hours after the Sandown visit, she stepped into 10 Downing Street wearing a striking poppy-red short-sleeved dress from Me+Em, costing £275, and a pair of silver Russell and Bromley slingback heels worth £295. The choice of red marked a deliberate and powerful visual statement, echoing the party’s branding and signaling confidence and unity.
The previous day, she arrived at a North London polling station dressed in a crimson red shirt-dress from US designer Simkhai (£445), accessorized with white Tommy Hilfiger trainers (£95) — a blend of elegance and accessibility. Just a week before election day, she accompanied Sir Keir at a campaign event in a softly pleated red/pink floral V-neck dress by The Kooples, retailing at £255. Her fashion choices consistently balance modernity and approachability, reinforcing Labour’s messaging of renewal and inclusivity.
Last year, during the Labour Party conference, Victoria turned heads in a £1,200 red belted fluted-sleeve dress by Edeline Lee. Even in 2022, she adhered to a similar theme — opting for a more subdued burgundy pleated shirt-dress with black tights and pumps. These sartorial decisions suggest a deliberate evolution in her public image, aligning with the growing scrutiny that comes with being a political spouse in the spotlight.
Fashion as a Statement
As Samantha Cameron once noted during her tenure as the UK’s First Lady, “You learn super-quickly to wear colour.” And indeed, Victoria seems to have embraced this philosophy with precision. Her wardrobe choices are not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically aligned with the political narrative of the moment. One brand that has become a staple in her rotation is Me+Em — a label proving itself as the preferred fashion house for members of the new government elite.
Founded by Clare Hornby in 2009, Me+Em has cultivated a reputation for offering “intelligent style” — an aspirational yet accessible aesthetic that resonates well with figures like Victoria Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who has also been seen in the brand multiple times. The brand’s connections run deep within Labour circles; Clare Hornby’s husband, Johnny Hornby, is the managing director of TBWA, the marketing firm behind Tony Blair’s 2001 election campaign. The Hornbys were even featured in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s power couples.
Johnny Hornby’s extended family further cements these ties: his half-brother is celebrated author Nick Hornby, and his brother-in-law is novelist Robert Harris, known for his close friendship with former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson. Fashion insiders note that Me+Em’s appeal lies in its ability to project sophistication without elitism — a quality that fits perfectly with Labour’s current messaging.
Celebrities such as the Princess of Wales, Katie Holmes, and Nicole Kidman have all been spotted in Me+Em pieces, underscoring the brand’s broad appeal. For Victoria, the label offers a versatile wardrobe that can transition seamlessly from formal photocalls to casual outings. At the election count, she wore a cream short-sleeved crop jacket (£295), followed by the aforementioned red gown in Downing Street, and then the green floral dress at Sandown races — a trio of looks that showcased both variety and consistency.
Looking Ahead
As Victoria Starmer steps further into the public eye, her fashion choices will continue to be scrutinized and analyzed. Yet beyond aesthetics, they serve a broader purpose — communicating identity, values, and a sense of belonging to a nation watching closely. With a keen eye for detail and a wardrobe curated with intention, she appears ready for the role ahead.
