Thursday 22 September 2022 10:47 PM 'The Queen is unwell and Keir needs to leave the chamber': What Angela Rayner's ... trends now
Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner has revealed what was written in the note she passed to Keir Starmer on the day of the Queen's death as he spoke in the House of Commons.
The note, along with scenes showing PM Liz Truss being urgently briefed by Nadhim Zahawi at the same time, was the first sign that something urgent was going on outside the walls of Parliament.
Ms Truss had just delivered a major statement on energy costs on September 8 as she announced a price freeze for all households on their bills amid the cost of living crisis.
As Labour Leader Sir Keir rose and began his response to Ms Truss' statement a little after midday, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Mr Zahawi entered the Commons and sat down next to the PM before urgently whispering in her ear.
Around the same moment, Ms Rayner was passed a note which said 'in plain English' that: 'The Queen is unwell and Keir needs to leave the chamber as soon as possible to be briefed.'
She then faced choosing the right moment to pass him the note to avoid distracting the Labour leader, she told The News Agents, Emily Maitlis' and Jon Sopel's new Global podcast.
The Queen passed away at Balmoral on September 8, with her death announced shortly after 6.30pm.
Angela Rayner (right) received the note as Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer reacted to the PM's long-anticipated announcement on energy bills
Angela Rayner was passed the note which she then had to get to Keir Starmer as quickly as possible
Mr Zahawi, who was just this week appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the portfolio of land, property and assets held by the Queen, was tasked with informing the premier about the Queen's deteriorating health and was seen briefing her on the front bench for several minutes before leaving
Liz Truss appeared to crane her neck to observe the Labour Leader being told to leave the Chamber after being briefed herself by Nadhim Zahawi (right)
Ms Rayner told the podcast that it was at that moment in the Commons
