The Queen’s speech may be delayed amid mounting controversy over Theresa May’s attempts to form a government, it has been revealed.
It comes as the Prime Minister continues talks with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over a confidence and supply agreement to prop up a Conservative government.
In a briefing, Mrs May’s official spokesman declined to confirm when the Queen’s Speech would go ahead, saying Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom would release a statement imminently.
However, Ms Leadsom’s office made no immediate announcement in response to press queries.
The BBC reported: “The BBC understands the Queen’s Speech will be delayed by a few days. It had been due to take place next Monday.”
The Prime Minister continues to face backlash over proposed plans to enter into an agreement with the DUP after failing to win an outright majority in last week’s General Election.
Concerns have been raised over the party’s record on same-sex marriage, abortion rights and climate change, while others have pointed to alleged links to extremist nationalist groups.
Tory members have also urged Mrs May to step back from her hard approach to Brexit and row back on a number of manifesto pledges following the disappointing election performance.
DUP leader Arlene Forster is expected to visit Downing Street tomorrow as the two parties work to hammer out a deal.