"Well before the King arrived in Parliament, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, was having coffee with the prime minister in Downing Street. It was a swift visit - Streeting was in and out of the No10 door in just 17 minutes. What happened in there? We don't know, but business was clearly conducted swiftly. What we have been told is that the health secretary's allies expect him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as soon as tomorrow."
"Alongside the plotting today, the pomp too, with the King's arrival in Parliament, where - from the throne in the House of Lords - he outlined the government's proposals for 37 bills and draft bills. The State Opening is meant to be a day grounded in the government's plans for the next year or so. But the government is led by a man whose longevity in power could be considerably shorter."
"The King's Speech was scheduled for this week precisely because the government anticipated the need for a post elections refresh. The prime minister told MPs it represented a "radical agenda", setting a "new direction for Britain". Asked how the speech reflected the bold change that Sir Keir promised after last week's election drubbing, the prime minister's official spokesman said "what you've heard from the prime minister over the last few days is his commitment to change.""
"Once he had finished in the House of Commons, Sir Keir started putting in the hard yards of persuasion. He and supportive cabinet ministers worked the tearoom. He invited MPs into his office in Parliament. The message was clear: he is up for the fight, he will stand in any contest - but he believes the very idea of a leadership challenge is irresponsible."
The State Opening of Parliament combined royal ceremony with political maneuvering. Before the King arrived, the health secretary visited the prime minister at Downing Street for a brief meeting. Allies of the health secretary expected him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as soon as the next day. The King delivered proposals for 37 bills and draft bills from the throne in the House of Lords, intended to set out government plans for the coming year. The prime minister scheduled the speech to refresh after elections and described it as a radical agenda and new direction for Britain. After the Commons, Sir Keir sought support through persuasion with cabinet ministers and direct outreach to MPs, arguing that leadership challenges were irresponsible.
Read at www.bbc.com
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