Darts champ Luke Humphries defends himself over visit to meet Rishi Sunak at No 10
Luke Humphries received backlash for visiting the Prime Minister.
Newly crowned world darts champion Luke Humphries has defended his visit to No 10 after being met with criticism from fans for playing a round of darts with Rishi Sunak. The Prime Minister was given a one-on-one session with Humphries at 10 Downing Street shortly after his triumph over Luke Littler last week.
Some of 'Cool Hand Luke's' followers bashed him online for meeting with the Tory Party leader, with one suggesting he was 'hypocritical' for spending time with a man who had overseen cuts that "slashed mental health services and facilities".
Replying on X, formerly Twitter, Humphries said: "Did you ever think to yourself that maybe that was a massive reason for me to go?? We discussed that and how we can make sure everybody is getting the help they deserve.
"I have a massive platform to try and help others now and I will do that even talking to the PM to discuss it!" Mental health is a cause close to Humphries' heart.
What a day for @lukeh180 going to Number 10 to meet the Prime Minister and giving him a darts session ������������ pic.twitter.com/QTBiZfAnmk
— MODUS Sports (@ModusDarts180) Januar 5, 2024
After lifting his maiden World Championship title at Alexandra Palace, the 28-year-old opened up on his struggles with depression and anxiety.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “There was a time in my life when I was really depressed and I didn’t think this would be it for me. I couldn’t do it on the big stage and went through a lot of problems. To go on to become world champion and world No1 has proved a lot about my mental ability."
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“My family, who I’d love to thank – my mum and dad, who have taken me everywhere for this moment. I’ve got my amazing girlfriend Kaley’s stepdaughter Grace here and obviously, I’ve got my son. These are the people who make you who you are. Without them, I wouldn’t have this trophy right now.”
'Cool Hand Luke', who also discussed his mental health struggles on camera as part of his visit to No 10, continued on X: "I’m not a political person… I have no views on politics and I don’t support any constituency.. but I had the opportunity to meet rishi to talk mental health and darts.
"The PDC really wanted me to go and do that. And I’d have been silly not to use my platform to talk to him." Humphries received praise in the thread below his replies for being so open and candid about the visit on social media.