Keir Starmer planning new king's speech after May elections

"Keir Starmer is planning for a new king's speech after the crunch May elections as a reset moment for the government amid speculation over the prime minister's future. Senior sources in parliament said planning was under way to end the parliamentary session the week after local elections in England and parliamentary elections in Wales and Scotland in May, making it a significantly longer session than normal, and nearly two years since Labour first set out its legislative agenda."

"The party is facing a potentially devastating set of results, with the possible loss of hundreds of council seats to Reform and the Greens in England as well as defeat for the first time in Wales, where Plaid Cymru and Reform are leading in the polls. In Scotland, the Scottish National party are polling on course to maintain power despite pre-election hopes that Labour's Anas Sarwar could become first minister."

"The last king's speech was in July 2024, weeks after Labour won the general election, but a combination of parliamentary rebellions, international and economic turmoil and defeats in the House of Lords has meant the government needs more time to complete the legislation. The relatively late end to the session will raise some hopes among supporters of assisted dying that it may be possible to complete the bill, which will fall if it does not pass by the end of the session."

Keir Starmer is planning a new king's speech after the May elections as a reset moment amid speculation about the prime minister's future. Planning aims to end the parliamentary session the week after local elections in England and devolved elections in Wales and Scotland, creating a much longer session nearly two years after Labour set its legislative agenda. Labour faces possible heavy losses in English councils to Reform and the Greens, potential defeat in Wales with Plaid Cymru and Reform leading, and the SNP appearing likely to retain power in Scotland. The later session end raises hopes for completing an assisted-dying private member's bill, and Lords reform measures including a mandatory retirement age of 80 are expected but likely to face opposition.

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