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

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. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the measures as “the down payment” on the change his government is seeking to deliver, with economic growth the keystone of its agenda. The strengthening of the OBR, which was outlined in Labour’s manifesto, is designed to ensure “nobody can play fast and loose with the public finances ever again,” Downing Street said....