When the Lady Usher of the Black Rod has the door of the Commons slammed in her face this week, it will mark a significant day in the 662-year history of the job. Sarah Clarke, the current holder of the House of Lords role, will begin the ceremonial proceedings at Tuesday’s state opening of parliament, at which Charles III will make his first king’s speech, and kick off a crucial legislative period.
Given that the parliamentary session could be curtailed at any point by Rishi Sunak calling a general election, businesses and lobbyists will be pushing hard to get long-trailed legislation over the line. Among a slate of about 25 bills, the king could announce the government’s intention to legislate in a clutch of areas that are important for businesses, including housing, energy infrastructure, pensions reform, driverless cars and media regulation.
