A Kent MP has welcomed the inclusion of a new fan-led independent regulator for football in the King’s Speech.

The government will look at financing of the men's and women's game, its governance and regulations.

The news was revealed when King Charles III addressed parliament in the monarch’s first state pening.

Former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who was a key figure in getting the ball rolling for these plans, revealed she was “delighted” about the news.

The Chatham and Aylesford representative said: “I am pleased the Prime Minister, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.

“On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future, which is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.

“Despite today being another important step in English Football’s history, I want to take this opportunity to encourage the Premier League and the EFL to resolve the long-standing issue of improved financial distribution – the ongoing impasse serves no-one well, and while the regulator will have backstop powers to step in, it is still the overwhelming view that football should be able to sort this out themselves. I look forward to supporting the legislation on its passage through Parliament.”

Ms Crouch, a Tottenham Hotspur fan herself, led a "root and branch" investigation into football back in 2021 after news six of the countries top clubs revealed their intent to join a new breakaway 'European Super League'.

Elsewhere, Rishi Sunak insisted he has “turned the corner” to put the country on a better path as he set out his pre-election stall in the King’s Speech to present challenges for Sir Keir Starmer.

In his first state opening as monarch, King Charles set out legislation to mandate annual oil and gas licensing in the North Sea – which the Tories hope will draw a political dividing line with the Labour leader.

The long-term champion of environmental causes said the new fossil fuel sites will support the country’s transition to net zero by 2050 “without adding undue burdens on households”.

With a general election expected next year, the Prime Minister put a series of criminal justice laws at the centre of the first King’s Speech in seven decades.

Mr Sunak vowed to continue supporting Israel as he carried over a Bill that would ban councils imposing boycotts, disinvestment or sanctions campaigns against other countries.

But there was no mention of action to tackle people sleeping on the streets in tents after Home Secretary Suella Braverman provoked outrage by criticising people she said were on the streets as a “lifestyle choice”.

More to follow.