Starmer Unveils 35-Bill Agenda Amid Labour Leadership Crisis

Keir Starmer unveiled a legislative program of 35 to 37 bills through the King's Speech on May 13, 2026, while facing the most serious leadership crisis of his premiership. King Charles III delivered the government-written address at the State Opening of Parliament in London, outlining priorities spanning energy independence, EU regulatory realignment, British Steel nationalization, leasehold reform, immigration restrictions, and a digital ID scheme. The ceremony proceeded with full traditional pageantry despite the political turmoil engulfing Westminster.

Starmer's position deteriorated rapidly after Labour suffered devastating losses in local and regional elections, losing over 1,400 councillors. More than 90 Labour MPs called for his resignation, though roughly 158 publicly backed him. Former Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips resigned from the Cabinet on Tuesday, and a Monday speech intended as a fightback was widely criticized as tone deaf. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, viewed as a potential leadership challenger, held a brief 17-minute meeting with Starmer at Downing Street, fueling speculation he could resign and launch a formal bid as early as Thursday. No challenger has yet formally emerged.

The King's Speech outlined major structural reforms including a European Partnership Bill to reset trade ties with the EU, an Energy Independence Bill expanding nuclear power and banning new oil and gas licenses, a Steel Industry Nationalisation Bill, a Tackling State Threats Bill targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and an NHS Modernisation Bill. Notably absent was any welfare reform legislation after a previous rebellion by Labour MPs. Buckingham Palace reportedly sought to distance the monarch from the political instability, emphasizing his strictly constitutional role.

Business groups offered mixed reactions. The British Chambers of Commerce criticized the lack of relief on energy bills and business rates, while the Federation of Small Businesses hailed the late payments bill. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch called it preposterous that the government was presenting a legislative program while ministers resigned and party discontent mounted. Anti-monarchy group Republic protested along the procession route, demanding a royal Epstein inquiry.