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Labour leadership candidate Clive Lewis has called for a referendum on the future of the Royal Family, saying “a lot of people would like to see the monarchy scaled down.”
Launching his campaign this morning, the Norwich South MP said he sympathised with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back as senior members of the Royal Family.
However, he also suggested their bombshell announcement should spark important discussions on the future of all royals.
“Let’s talk about what a modern state looks like and what the role of the Royal Family would look like,” he told his audience in Brixton, south London.
“I’d rather see us as citizens than subjects in the 21st century.”
“I’m in favour of more democracy,” he added. “Let the British public decide what the future of the monarchy is and what shape it should be.”
“Why not have a referendum in this country on the future of the Royal family?”
The shadow Treasury minister said he respected the couple’s right to step back from their official duties, but lamented that they felt such a drastic move was necessary.
He said: “I completely respect the right of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to do what they have done. It is a matter for them.
“It is extremely unfortunate and a sign of the media we have that they feel they have to do this.
“I know it is not the only reason. But if you look at the intrusion on their lives, if you look at the racism that Meghan Markle has experienced in the British media, then I can understand why, given what’s happened, given the difficulties within their family, it can’t be easy being a royal.”
Mr Lewis is running to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader but has not yet secured the support from MPs and MEPs needed to stay in the running.
The shadow Treasury minister needs 22 MPs or MEPs to nominate him in order to stay in the race.
So far he has only secured support from four of his colleagues, with Monday the deadline for gathering enough backing.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, Lisa Nandy, Jess Philips and Sir Keir Starmer have already received enough nominations to pass the first round of the battle for the top job.
But shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry joins Mr Lewis in the final scramble to reach the 22-nomination threshold.
