Labour Proposes Postponing Parliament’s Summer Recess to Pass Initial Legislative Agenda Under Possible Starmer Premiership

The Labour Party intends to postpone the parliamentary summer break if it is victorious in the upcoming elections. Should Sir Keir Starmer become Prime Minister, he will require additional parliamentary sessions to pass the King's Speech.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 19:

According to information obtained by Sky News, if Labour emerges victorious in the upcoming election, the party intends to extend the parliamentary summer break for MPs to the end of July.

Should Sir Keir assume the role of Prime Minister, among his initial tasks will be the selection of his Cabinet members and the swearing-in of newly elected Members of Parliament.

Reports indicate that the King will deliver his speech, outlining the government's legislative plans, on the rescheduled date of July 17, two weeks later than initially planned.

Sky's political editor Beth Rigby discussed on her Electoral Dysfunction podcast that typically, parliament would adjourn following the King's Speech. However, she noted that under a Labour administration, the Commons would remain in session until the end of July, then go into recess, with MPs resuming in September.

Latest Election Update: Significant Rise in Mail-In Ballots; Starmer Confronts Speculation About Cabinet Changes

Originally, the summer break was scheduled to start on July 23. However, since this date falls just six days after the King's Speech, it is probable that Sir Keir will require additional parliamentary sessions to secure approval for his policies from the newly elected MPs.

As the campaign for the general election winds down, the Conservative Party has launched a fresh critique against Sir Keir, arguing that his wish to cease working after 6pm on Fridays to be with his family suggests he would be a "part-time prime minister".

Further Details on the 2024 General Election

Guidelines for Polling Stations – Stay Informed to Avoid Issues on Voting Day

Sunak asserts election remains undecided until the very end, while Starmer expresses hopeful outlook

General Election: Labour Poised to Secure Largest Majority Since 1832, According to Latest YouGov Forecast

Associated Subjects:

👉 Subscribe to Electoral Dysfunction on your preferred podcast platform by clicking here 👈

Sir Keir, a father of two teenagers, stated that he would maintain "reserved family time" at the week's end should he become prime minister on July 5.

The Tories labeled the Labour leader as a "part-time prime minister," to which Sir Keir retorted by dismissing the criticisms as "laughably pathetic."

Sir Keir mentioned that he reserves Friday evenings for family time as his wife's family is Jewish and they participate in family prayers.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

'The Tories were once known as the champions of family values'

Ayesha Hazarika, who previously advised the Labour Party, expressed her utter astonishment at the entire Conservative campaign during a podcast interview.

"She pointed out the current desperation within the Conservative Party, noting that it once championed family values," she observed.

The party, which once took pride in being family-oriented, is now criticizing someone for choosing to celebrate Friday night with his Jewish spouse and children.

With just two days remaining, who would have predicted that targeting families along with a sprinkle of antisemitism would be the final tactic? It's completely foolish and ultimately self-sabotaging.

She mentioned collaborating with politicians who were constantly on call, day and night, without any time off, and believed that their performance suffered as a result.

Ms. Hazarika emphasized the strong work ethic of Gordon Brown, noting that his dedication was evident during his tenure as Prime Minister and as a Presbyterian.

For an enhanced viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser to

"She mentioned that Gordon Brown notably faced difficulties due to his deep-seated Presbyterian work ethic."

"I recall a time just before summer when he needed to pause, although he was reluctant to do so. After striving for years and enduring a lengthy wait to become prime minister, he didn't want to step back."

His consultants suggested, "you really need to take a summer vacation; it seems somewhat odd if you don't."

Stay informed on the most recent developments across the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Explore further: Can a prime minister effectively set aside dedicated family time? Conservatives orchestrate a letter from small business supporters in a final effort to shift the election momentum.

"Indeed, throughout his summer vacation, he seemingly never shed his formal attire of shirt, tie, and suit. He displayed a notable hesitance to relinquish any authority, particularly because Harriet Harman was the acting leader in his absence. This appeared to cause him significant stress over losing control. Ultimately, this behavior likely didn't serve him well."

Tory peer Baroness Davidson mentioned that former Tory Prime Minister Lord Cameron also made it a priority to reserve time for his family.

She mentioned that Sunday afternoons were reserved for his family time.

"She mentioned that he wouldn't go to Scotland over the weekend unless he could return by Saturday, as Sundays were reserved for family time."

"I've always held that in high regard."

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels under Sky

Additional Sky Websites