More Than 35 Bills in King’s Speech Will Be Down Payment on Change, Says PM

Sir Keir Starmer said the package was ‘the down payment’ on change his Government wants to deliver, with economic growth the keystone of its agenda.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) meets Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney (not in frame) during a visit to Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 7, 2024. Scott Heppell/WPA Pool/Getty Images

New laws to hand greater powers to local leaders and the economic watchdog will be among more than 35 bills in a packed King’s Speech next week, the government has said.

Legislation to bolster the role of regional politicians and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will be announced on Wednesday, as the new administration sets out its priorities for the next parliamentary session.