By Jane Seymour, Royal Editor

MPs were in celebratory festive mood for today’s Queen’s Speech, dressing up as Father Christmas in the House of Commons.

The normally green benches of Parliament were turned red as MPs, many of them only elected for the first time last week, prepared for the unusual December ceremony.

Authorities had stated this Queen’s Speech – the second in two months – would be less formal than usual.

Keen to capture the public mood just days before Christmas, MPs from all sides of the house agreed to dress up as Santa Claus.

MP for Suffolk East Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “It was a bit of festive fun, and Her Majesty saw the funny side.

“Prince Charles even dressed up as an elf.”

Even Prime Minister Boris Johnson wore a Santa outfit. Unfortunately, Jeremy Corbyn didn’t join in.

“He is known as Mr Scrooge at this time of year,” lamented Ms Fisher, 34.