Labour ‘in awe’ of Penny Mordaunt as Tory MP nails major Coronation role

Mordaunt has amassed swathes of popularity since taking on the role, with some suggesting she could progress further within the Conservative party as a result.

Speaking on GB News, political commentator Scarlett Mccgwire said her surging popularity was not bound to her own party, with some admirers from across the political divide.

She told Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster: “The Labour people I speak to are in awe of Penny Mordaunt, they thought she was completely and utterly brilliant.”

GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes took on a more sceptical position, saying her leadership credentials are in question after her unsuccessful bid which saw Liz Truss gain the position instead of her.

In response, Mccgwire argued: “To be fair, she was up against the Daily Mail and the right wing press who desperately wanted Liz Truss to be up against Rishi Sunak.

“They did not want Penny Mordaunt so to be fair on her, we don’t know whether she is any good at running the country.”

The leader of the House of Commons underwent arduous preparations for the role with a strict workout routine as she prepared to lift the heavy object.

Speaking on the Times Red Box podcast, she said “press-ups” were among the activities she took on as she prepared for the key role.

Mordaunt said: “I’m doing a number of things. One of them will be carrying the sword of state, which is the heaviest sword, so I’ve been doing some press-ups to train for that. That represents his authority. It was one of two swords made for Charles II and only one survives.

“It has to be carried at right angles to the body, hence the need to do press-ups – pointing upwards, out in front of you, for some time. We practised with some replicas that were weighted, and it’s a huge honour to do it.”

The Tory MP also took on a hands on approach to her uniform, opting against the more traditional look in a drive for a “modern” look.

House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt declined to wear the traditional black-and-gold privy councillor court dress in a bid for a “feminised” look at King Charles III’s Coronation.

Mordaunt opted to wear a teal dress and cape embroidered with ferns by specialist atelier Hand and Lock, who worked on royal outfits before the occasion.

She said: “What my predecessor would have worn is the old court dress, which the whole front of the tunic is embroidered with heavy gold.

“I have had something made, and it will be modern, it will definitely be made for a woman, but it will also be lifting the embroidery of the privy council.”

The look generated a buzz on social media, with a number of prominent figures rushing to comment on Mordaunt’s appearance.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry tweeted: “Got to say it, Penny Mordaunt looks damn fine! The sword bearer steals the show.”