The King will today lay out Keir Starmer's plans for Government, despite uncertainty over whether the Prime Minister will remain in power to implement them. Amid scenes of traditional pomp and ceremony, the monarch will conduct the State Opening of Parliament.
Royal Role in Political Turmoil
While the King will read out a list of legislation, including proposals to strengthen ties with the EU and accelerate the Net Zero drive, there is 'outrage' that he has been dragged into what critics describe as a shambolic Labour coup. Downing Street insists the event will proceed as planned.
Sir Keir is meeting Wes Streeting this morning as he pleads with the Health Secretary to step back from a bid to oust him following disastrous local elections. High drama at Westminster yesterday saw four Labour ministers resign, stating they no longer had confidence in the premier.
Growing Rebellion
The number of Labour MPs calling for Sir Keir to go rose to 90. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was forced to deny she is on the brink of quitting after telling the PM to set out a timetable for his departure. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy appealed to Labour MPs to step back from the brink, warning that the party's 'navel gazing' was damaging the country.
Market Turmoil
The prospect of a Labour leadership coup sparked panic on financial markets, as traders took fright at the thought of a new leader dragging the Government further left. An ally of Mr Burnham said the markets would have to 'fall into line' if he seized power. However, those same markets yesterday forced up government borrowing costs to the highest level this century, and the pound fell against both the dollar and the euro.
International Reaction
Donald Trump last night said it was up to Sir Keir whether to quit, warning that the Prime Minister was 'windmilling the country to death'. The King's Speech is expected to proceed despite the political chaos.
