Jeremy Corbyn to miss meeting of Queen’s Privy Council

“Either you’re in or you’re not and I think that’s what Jeremy Corbyn’s team has to be quite clear about; whether they are going to be full humble and faithful servants to her majesty, which is what the Privy Council demands”.

“He was unable to come on that date due to a prior commitment, and he is going to be offered an invitation on another day, ” Corbyn’s spokesman said in a statement”.

The issue of Corbyn’s membership of the privy council has been much discussed because he is a lifelong republican, who would ultimately like to see the monarchy abolished.

It was confirmed meanwhile that he will attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace later this month in honour of Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other senior politicians.

The Daily Telegraph said the Privy Council – including the monarch – could agree to appoint him as a new member without him being present.

It would have been the first chance for Mr Corbyn to be sworn in to the ceremonial group of advisors.

In order for that to happen, the paper said he would still have to confirm that he had taken the oath but would not have to kneel before the sovereign.

Corbyn was also criticised for not standing during the national anthem in mid-September.

Jeremy Corbyn has again been accused of snubbing the Queen, this time because he won’t attend a meeting of the Privy Council to be sworn in as a member.

During the leadership campaign, Corbyn said replacing the monarchy was not a priority and he later confirmed that he would become a member of the privy council in order to receive security briefings as the leader of the opposition.

The swearing-in ceremony to the council involves kneeling in front of the Queen.

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn declined to say if he was on holiday.

On February 14 2006 – the first scheduled meeting of the Privy Council after his election victory on December 6 2005 – Mr Cameron missed the meeting because his wife was giving birth to their first son, Elwen.

The “recommended” dress code for men is white tie and tails, although it is not compulsory.

Another unnamed member of the council condemned Mr Corbyn’s snub. A source close to the Labour leader said he had “no idea” what he would be wearing.

British media reported that it is possible to be formally inducted into the Privy Council without taking part in the archaic ceremony with the Queen.