SIR Keir Starmer has come to the defence of the humble sandwich after Kemi Badenoch dismissed it as “not real food”.
He hit back after the Tory leader insisted “lunch is for wimps” and vowed she’d never touch “moist bread”.
Ms Badenoch also revealed sometimes has steak delivered to her desk in an interview with the Spectator magazine released on Thursday.
Asked whether the PM shared her views, Number 10 called the sandwich a “great British institution” and pointed out its £8 billion contribution to the economy.
Sir Keir’s official spokesman said he is “quite happy with a sandwich lunch” and is partial to a “tuna sandwich and occasionally a cheese toastie”.
He added: “I think he was surprised to hear that the leader of the Opposition has a steak brought in for lunch.”
Director of The British Sandwich & Food To Go Association Jim Winship also weighed into the row, mocking Ms Badenoch’s comments as “half-baked.”
He said: “Sandwiches are part of British heritage and have been since the Earl of Sandwich created the concept in 1762.
“It’s a lot easier to carry on working and eat a sandwich than to have to use a knife and fork to eat a steak – and you get a more balanced meal with a sandwich.”
On her eating habits, Ms Badenoch had said: “What’s a lunch break? Lunch is for wimps. I have food brought in and I work and eat at the same time.
There’s no time… Sometimes I will get a steak… I’m not a sandwich person.” She added: “I don’t think sandwiches are a real food, it’s what you have for breakfast.
I will not touch bread if it’s moist.”
Former PM Rishi Sunak, a self-confessed “big sandwich person,” previously backed Britain’s lunchtime staple, calling the club sandwich his go-to during the 2024 election campaign.
