Has Jeremy Corbyn reinvented PMQs? The verdict from the Westminster 'bubble'
If you were expecting an old-school ding-dong at the first Prime Minister's Questions between Conservative David Cameron and the new leader of the Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn, you will have been bitterly disappointed.
Corbyn, true to his promise that he would herald a new kind of politics, asked Cameron a series of questions submitted by members of the public before the clash, which the prime minister duly answered and Corbyn did not offer any follow-ups.
There was no fisticuffs, no handbags at dawn, no jibes. But perhaps that is what the people want. Indeed, Marie, one of those whose question on housing was read by Corbyn, said she hoped Corbyn's new style would counter the Tories' "short, sort of little sarcastic comments, quips and shouting".
"All I'll say to people is if you don't care about politics start thinking about what it actually means for you. Start listening to this and thinking they're self-satisfied people who sit there every week and make these decisions about your lives."
Here is what the politicos, wonks and journalists from in and around the Westminster are saying about Cameron versus Corbyn.
Labour source: "What a great platform PMQs has just become for Cameron. No real attempt at holding him to account just nice questions."
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) September 16, 2015
PMQs This week's score: Well, it has to be a 4-3 win for the new player, though Cam behaved well too. Haven't enjoyed PMQs as much for years
— MichaelWhite (@michaelwhite) September 16, 2015
I give this new #PMQs until about the middle of next week.
— John Rentoul (@JohnRentoul) September 16, 2015
Public questions a good idea but little use without prosecutorial follow-ups. Can't just be Cameron Direct. #pmqs
— Jeremy Cliffe (@JeremyCliffe) September 16, 2015
Kudos to @jeremycorbyn. This is a better #PMQs. Sensible questions from him. Intelligent responses from the PM.
— Tim Montgomerie (@montie) September 16, 2015
Every one of these questions - and Cameron’s answers which Jeremy isn’t responding to - is turning into free airtime for Cameron #PMQs
— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) September 16, 2015
Prime minister's spin team always turn up after PMQs to clarify news lines. No one has any real questions for them. So everyone heads off.
— Jim Waterson (@jimwaterson) September 16, 2015
This new politics is quite boring... #PMQs
— Iain Martin (@iainmartin1) September 16, 2015
Person who came out of that best was Cameron. He looked much nicer than normal. Is Corbyn a double agent? #pmqs
— fleetstreetfox (@fleetstreetfox) September 16, 2015
Genuinely one of the best, most civil & usefull #PMQs in a very long time.
— Anas Altikriti (@anasaltikriti) September 16, 2015
Well done @jeremycorbyn & @David_Cameron
Long may it continue.
Where will #Corbyn's 'new style' of #PMQs go? pic.twitter.com/Fqe2fvXcmV
— Gerry Hassan (@GerryHassan) September 16, 2015
Certainly fresh style from Corbyn on issues public care about - but open questions are straightforward to answer for the PM
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) September 16, 2015
Today was about avoiding disaster. Job done, easy for Cam but vast majority won't ever watch this so JC comes out of it better
— Laurence Janta-Lipinski (@jantalipinski) September 16, 2015
Positive change of format for democracy, not convinced it'll help Labour much.
— Chris Terry (@CJTerry) September 16, 2015
In seriousness, this approach would be more effective if the Labour Party wasn't in total chaos outside the Chamber. #PMQs
— Mark Wallace (@wallaceme) September 16, 2015
Refreshing new approach to #PMQs from @jeremycorbyn - long may it last!
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) September 16, 2015
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