Penny Mordaunt made headlines on May 6, 2023, when she became the first woman to carry the Sword of State during King Charles’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, a role that has historically been held by men. The Sword of State weighs a substantial 8 lb and measures 4 ft in length, making it a significant symbol of royal authority.

Mordaunt’s participation in the ceremony has not only elevated her profile but also sparked discussions about her political stance. She remarked, “I was clearly the lightning rod on the day for attention. Very embarrassing,” reflecting on the unexpected spotlight she found herself in.

In addition to her ceremonial role, Mordaunt has been vocal about pressing issues facing the UK, particularly regarding defence spending. She suggested that only the death of British soldiers would prompt the government to increase defence budgets, a statement that underscores the urgency of the situation. Currently, defence spending stands at 2.3% of GDP, but projections indicate it could rise to 3.5% by 2035.

A recent poll revealed that 66% of the British public believes there should be higher defence spending, highlighting a significant disconnect between government plans and public sentiment. Mordaunt criticized the current government’s approach, stating it is “out of kilter with reality,” further positioning herself as a key voice in the ongoing debate.