The speech is being overshadowed by speculation surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, that includes a potential leadership challenge from health and social care secretary Wes Streeting who met briefly with the PM this morning.

Previewing the speech Starmer said it will include measures to cut the cost of living and bring down hospital waiting lists.

Starmer said: ‘Britain stands at a pivotal moment: to press ahead with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country or turn back to the chaos and instability of the past.'

NHSE abolition is expected to be completed by April 2027 following its announcement in March 2025.

Action on the cost of living crisis is expected to include free breakfast clubs and supporting parents with free childcare, freezing rail fares, capping the price of bus journeys, welfare system reforms and a £2.5bn youth employment package that will support almost one million young people and help deliver up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

More to follow.