PMQs began with a Labour backbencher asking the Prime Minister if he wanted to hug a hoddie. Sir Gerald Kaufman followed up the line of derision later.
David Cameron asked the Prime Minister to confirm that forced police mergers are out of the question. Only yesterday Lorraine Fullbrook saw her campaign against the merger of Lancashire and Cumbria Constabularies succeed. The Prime Minister appeared to agree that there would be no forced mergers - a reversal of recent policy (a reversal attacked by Charles Clarke - who is quickly become a rent-a-quote). In a very good line David Cameron accused Tony Blair of "wasting police time". Another Labour flagship sinking fast, said David Cameron, was his ID cards policy. Riskily referring to leaked emails from Home Office officials (given Desmond Swayne's emails) the Tory leader noted civil service warnings that the scheme might fail. The Prime Minister said that the ID cards scheme would be delivered but because of its complexity would inevitably face some implementation difficulties. He attacked David Cameron for u-turning on ID cards and also tuition fees and foundation hospitals. Mr Cameron ended by hoping that John Prescott would not be stand-in-PM over the summer. "Tell us it isn't true," he pleaded. Tony Blair confirmed that John Prescott will be acting PM - to the relief of journalists worried about filling their pages during the political silly season.
Andrew Robathan was allowed to ask the Prime Minister about John Prescott's abuse of the ministerial code. It was unusual for a backbencher to be called in successive weeks - suggesting that there might have been a back office deal with The Speaker implicity conceding that he was wrong to rule last week's Robathan question out-of-order.
Sir Ming had his most impressive PMQs since becoming LibDem leader. The former barrister asked about the NatWest Three. The LibDems have secured a parliamentary victory by winning a Commons debate on UK/US extradition laws.
Labour's Kate Hoey asked the question of the day - attacking Government inconsistency on academic selection - consulting in England and Wales but imposing in Northern Ireland.
Ming had to have an impressive PMQ's at some time!!! Though I don't think we really have to worry about him winning any more support for his party going on his normal form.
Posted by: TN1487 | July 12, 2006 at 12:55
Completely agree , Ming merely had a less bad session than normal, but this was no rocket from the crypt.
Posted by: David Banks | July 12, 2006 at 13:07
Forgive me, but the level of complacency that the first two posts show is one of the reasons why the Lib Dems bit the collective Tory backside in Bromley.
Tories must hope that wiser minds prevail at the top of the party.
Posted by: Jack W | July 12, 2006 at 14:45
I agree with Jack W's sentiments. Ming has many PR weaknesses but the importance of his strategic repositioning of the LibDems on tax and crime should not be dismissed. Even if he doesn't survive as leader he's already created a useful legacy for, say, Nick Clegg. Bromley showed that the LibDems still have a strong campaign ability, too.
Posted by: Editor | July 12, 2006 at 15:03
'Wiser mind prevail at the top of the party'
Charming! Well i'm glad you feel so free to look down your nose at activists who you are happy to imply are thick and complacent. You might be 'wiser' to get down off your high horse.
Posted by: David Banks | July 13, 2006 at 10:10
David. I never implied you were "thick". Rather that under-estimating your opponents was poor tactically and strategically. I fear it's the sort of attitude that led to the loss of Solihull at the general election.
As for my "high horse", as an ordinary voter it's my privilege to mount up and jump the Conservative hedges ..... gee up Neddy !!
Posted by: Jack W | July 13, 2006 at 12:08
Jack W
Apologies for slightly angry tone of last posting, recovering from illness & sense of proportion / humour has yet to kick in. I understand that your merely saying we shouldn't underestimate LibDems.
In my neck of the woods the LibDems are nowhere , Labour are the big prob so my attitude to Ming probably reflects that.
Posted by: David Banks | July 13, 2006 at 15:15
David. Willingly accepted.
Although Labour remain the main target especially in the Midlands and Northern marginals, it's important not to disregard the "yellow peril" who retain the ability to ensure a blocking minority to Conservative ambitions.
I hope you're back to full health shortly.
Posted by: Jack W | July 13, 2006 at 17:17