No, Jeremy Corbyn did not bow to Queen - but he wasn't meant to and it was Theresa May who breached convention
Labour leader was criticised despite party leaders on both sides eschewing the courtesy in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016
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Your support makes all the difference.Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised for failing to bow to the Queen at the state opening of Parliament, but it appears the Labour leader was actually upholding tradition.
The MP for Islington North entered the Lord's Chamber with Theresa May but was seen standing resolutely upright as those around him bowed in respect to the monarch.
However it has emerged that it may in fact be the Prime Minister who breached convention.
According to political pundit Damian McBride, leaders on both sides did not bow at the opening of Parliament in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015 or 2016.
Mr Corbyn later gave wink to an unseen observer, which some suggested was linked in some way to his refusal to bow.
The Labour leader is known for his republican beliefs but has consistently denied he would abolish the monarchy if he was elected to lead the country.
When questioned on his views on the monarchy, Mr Corbyn said last month: "I believe in a democracy and we live in a democracy. We have a titular head of state as the monarch but without political power."
It comes after Conservative sources told The Independent the speech could well be Theresa May's first and last as Prime Minister as she struggles to cobble together a parliamentary majority.
There was no mention of many of the Tories’ key manifesto pledges in the address and plans to axe universal free school meals, scrap the triple lock on pensions and lift the ban on new grammar schools now all seem likely to be ditched.
The Queen delivered 2017's speech alongside Prince Charles, after Prince Philip was admitted to hospital.
MPs then returned to the House of Commons where Ms May and Mr Corbyn will both give responses to the address.
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