05/06/2010
Steve Richards of The Independent on the government's first Cabinet resignation and David Cameron's first Prime Minister's Question Time as PM.
Steve Richards of The Independent reflects on the government's first Cabinet resignation, David Cameron's first Prime Minister's question time, and the first elections among MPs wanting to chair select committees.
David Laws resigned as chief secretary to the Tresury after allegations about his expenses and his private life. He had tried to keep private the fact that he is gay. Here, the former Labour cabinet minister, Chris Smith, and the newly-elected Conservative MP, Margot James, who are both gay, weigh how far homosexuality is still an issue in political life.
David Cameron held his first Prime Minister's question time as Prime Minister. Some observers thought it a calmer and more measured session than of old. A reflection of the new coalition politics? The former Conservative leader, Michael Howard, thinks it might be.
The select committees will now be chaired by MPs elected to the position, rather than appointed by the government. It's seen as a big change aimed at boosting parliamentary authority. One of the most powerful is the treasury committee. Here, the contenders for the job, Michael Fallon and Andrew Tyrie, each make their case.
Producer: Peter Mulligan.
Last on
Chapters
-
David Laws
David Laws resigned after allegations about his expenses and his private life. Chris Smith, and the newly-elected MP, Margot James, weigh how far homosexuality is still an issue in political life
Duration: 10:46
Prime Minister's Questions
The former Conservative leader, Michael Howard, discusses David Cameron's performance.
Duration: 10:36
Election of Select Committee chair
The select committees will now be chaired by MPs elected to the position. One of the most powerful is the treasury committee. The contenders Michael Fallon and Andrew Tyrie make their case.
Duration: 06:49
Broadcast
- Sat 5 Jun 2010 11:00成人论坛 Radio 4 FM
Download: Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
High-powered discussions that explore the big themes which are shaping our politics.
Podcast
-
The Week in Westminster
Radio 4's weekly assessment of developments at Westminster