Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly preparing to stage the King's Speech in a dramatic bid to reset his government's agenda, as he braces for potentially devastating local election results.
A Swift Reset After the Polls
The State Opening of Parliament is believed to be lined up for May 12 or 13. This date is less than a week after the country goes to the polls for critical mayoral and council elections on May 7. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to draw a line under what many within Labour fear could be a disastrous showing.
Laying out a new slate of legislation through the King's Speech is intended to refocus the political narrative. One government source told the BBC the timing would help blunt an expected backlash against Sir Keir's agenda. They argued it would be harder for internal critics to challenge the Prime Minister's direction when the monarch is about to announce the government's plans for the coming year.
Mounting Pressure and Leadership Speculation
Speculation about Sir Keir's prospects of survival has intensified, despite him entering Number 10 with a massive majority just last year. Key figures within the party, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, are widely regarded as being 'on manoeuvres' should the premier be forced out.
The looming electoral problems were starkly underlined by a recent poll showing Labour faces severe losses in Wales to Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. The party appears doomed to lose the First Minister post for the first time since devolution began.
Labour insiders particularly fear that Reform is poised to make significant further gains in traditional Labour heartlands, compounding the party's troubles.
Political Theatre and a Defensive Strategy
At the final Prime Minister's Questions before Christmas, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch goaded Sir Keir over the growing crisis. She pointed to infighting within his ranks, accused him of blaming others for failures, and branded his Cabinet 'turkeys'. Badenoch quipped that all his MPs wanted for Christmas was a new leader, drawing laughter from the opposition benches.
Downing Street has refused to comment on what it calls 'speculation', stating the date for the State Opening will be announced 'in the normal way'. However, one source noted it was common knowledge the government was looking at a Spring State Opening, with May often being the chosen month.
The current parliamentary session has been running since July 2024, which is longer than normal, adding pressure for a new legislative agenda. By swiftly presenting a new programme for government, Sir Keir aims to project stability and purpose in the face of what many predict will be a punishing verdict from voters at the local elections.
