So @Keir_Starmer at #PMQs
A lot of comments saying how refreshing it is that he is “forensically and calmly” making his case
This is probably a fair
BUT
This shouldn’t be refreshing it should be the norm

But for me the most telling part of his performance was the fact that he listened and responded to the answers given by Raab
Going toward it will be this strength not his initial questions that will be his strongest card

Whether that is his legal background I don’t know as other politicians without a legal background have also managed this
The lesson is that anyone can read a script, it is the ability to adapt and respond that is the political skill

And going back I remember when Corbyn used ‘people’s questions’ it was a very good idea
It introduced the ‘real life human element’ it failed because of the lack of ability to move on from the script or respond to challenge
A good #PMQs performance can dominate HoC politics

And looking back over recent history
Major as PM wasn’t awful at PMQs
Tony Blair was a made it his own
Ian Duncan Smith as LOTO was abysmal
Michael Howard has his moments but overall wasn’t memorable
David Cameron was more than just fluff

Gordon Brown could be brilliant and poor - sometimes in one session
Ed Miliband often did better than people remember
Theresa May it didn’t play to her strengths but she dug in and was better than her press
Corbyn he tried new stuff, he tried to change the tone but not great

Johnson too early to say but I think he will find bluster and his obsession with poor jokes will let him down

But once the pandemic and lockdown is over it will be the reactions from the packed back-benches that will be most telling