How Zoom has accelerated the decline of the Commons – and how the damage can be reversed

Parliamentary ‘debates’ often devolve into collections of short, unconnected speeches that are basically being read into Hansard. That must change.

Whatever the flaws in the Government’s approach to the Lords, it has at least not sent Bercow there

The disruption to Parliament from Covid-19 has obscured and delayed the important work of undoing the damage wrought by his Speakership.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson seduces the House, and talks away his mistakes, by promising a rosy future

There were moments when the PM made everyone from the Speaker down laugh, and most of his listeners were grateful for light relief from the crisis.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: The Speaker is furious and the Prime Minister refuses to put his arms round Starmer

Johnson contradicts his message of national togetherness, and antagonises MPs, by appearing to regard criticism as disloyal.

The rejection of Johnson’s York proposal shows the enduring power of Parliament

The permanent crisis of the May years is not what holding the Government to account normally looks like.

Why the Government is keen to get the Commons sitting again

Ministers’ efforts to get schools and businesses to re-open won’t be helped if MPs are visibly unwilling to return to Westminster.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson bids a solemn farewell to Corbyn, and promises action asap

But there were a couple of moments of levity – though both men agreed that this is no time for it.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Johnson steps forward as the leader of a National Government

To the astonishment of those who see him as an incorrigible buffoon, the Prime Minister looked and sounded unremittingly sombre.

WATCH: “Parliament is a better place without John Bercow” – Jenrick

He adds that he wouldn’t offer the former speaker a peerage, as he responds to comments made by Dawn Butler.

Bercow was the rudest Speaker of modern times, yet by the end he had degenerated into an Establishment stooge

The former Speaker’s autobiography is a disappointment. He writes as he talks – and after a time this becomes wearisome.

Election of Speaker, Third Round. Bryant will take the contest all the way to a fourth ballot.

But Laing’s 127 votes have to divide roughly five to one if he is to beat Hoyle – who therefore remains favourite.

Election of Speaker, Second Round. The Deputy has 244 votes. It’s his to lose.

Laing has 122 votes, Bryant 120. Unless the candidates who withdraw transfer disproportionately to one of them, Hoyle seems to be home and dry.

Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: The post-Bercow era has dawned

The candidates for the Speakership competed to show how different they will be from the man who has just stepped down.

Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: Positively the final performance of the Westminster pantomime with its present cast

The Speaker is retiring, so is the Father of the House, but the Prime Minister looks confident of getting several encores.

Interview. Leadsom accuses Benn and Letwin of undermining efforts to prepare businesses for Brexit.

The Business Secretary argues that Parliament’s actions are “discouraging businesses from taking the steps they need to take”, and holding up private sector investment.