King's Speech Scheduled for May 12 or 13 Following May 7 Elections Amid Labour Leadership Concerns
The King's Speech is scheduled for May 12 or 13 next year, just days after the May 7 elections. These elections will cover the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, thousands of English councils, and several directly elected mayoralties.
Labour is anticipating a challenging night, with potential pressure on Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. However, some sources have indicated that the timing of the King's Speech is not linked to leadership threats, noting that past May speeches have often coincided with local elections, including in 2022, 2021, and 2016.
The King's Speech, delivered by the Monarch from the throne in the House of Lords, is part of the state opening of Parliament and outlines the government's agenda for the coming session. Sessions usually last about a year but can be longer; the current session began after the July 2024 general election and is described as a long session.
The speech is drafted by the government. Cabinet ministers began bidding for legislation to be included around early October, with most ministers already aware of the bills Prime Minister Keir intends to present.
