Ability, popularity with colleagues and specialist knowledge seem to have mattered more in these elections than intake or ideology.
The Electoral Reform Society calculates that a tiny change in votes would have given May a bare majority last spring. But how much difference would this have made?
Plus: The decline of books. Morgan sees off the cult of Mogg. Why I won’t fly RyanAir. And: As I reach a significant birthday, I mull writing my autobiography…
They already elect their chairmen and there will be fewer trips abroad – at least when the Commons is sitting. That means more scrutiny of what Ministers are up to.
Over two-thirds of Tory MPs have joined the Commons since 2010. Now they are starting to flex their muscles.
Commentators underestimated our growth potential before the referendum – and some are still doing so.
Eight of the ten were Leavers. And a certain diehard opponent of Brexit didn’t make the cut.
We will want to offer Parliament’s view of the extent of prerogative, and where we believe overt Parliamentary endorsement will be in the country’s interest.
In which a Minister of State at the Department International Development wobbles past on a bicycle sporting only a panama hat in Yeomanry colours.
The SNP are now entitled to substantial committee representation. If EVEL is to mean anything, it must extend beyond the chamber.
After taking so much evidence, drafting a report and considering so many amendments, we should all now meet the responsibility placed on us.
Plus: The girls who went to Syria shouldn’t be prosecuted. Gorgeous Umanna. Kensington selects. LibDems wriggle. And: will UKIP win more than five seats?
They should have to show that changes to the civil service’s departmental structures serve the public interest rather than party political or personnel management goals.
Brexit brings unique challenges and opportunities. And my background in campaigning on environmental issues equips me for the job.