The Guardian view on the king’s speech: full of old ideas when new ones are needed

‘The next government should perhaps look to use its first king’s speech to say that it will stage a national conversation about whether we need the robes and rituals to announce its programme.’ Photograph: UK Parliament/Roger Harris/Reuters

The first king’s speech in more than 70 years was a clear sign that an old order was passing. But it is not King Charles who is being left behind. He opened parliament in full dress admiral’s costume and made a speech – large parts of which are at variance with his well-known views. But the monarch read the room and fulfilled the role that precedent demanded. The prime minister showed no such astuteness.

Politics is changing. But Rishi Sunak is not, and hence finds himself struggling to remain relevant. His attempt to set the national agenda and fix the terms of debate with the monarch’s address will fail to catch the attention of the public because his plans are out of step with voters’ priorities. His party is exhausted and divided. The Tories are heading for electoral defeat. The government programme read out on Tuesday will do little to change that.