Thread by @jonlis1

Some quick punches from Starmer. If Johnson is ‘taking direct control’, who on earth has been in control till now? Why hasn’t the PM replied to his confidential letter? And why has trust in the government fallen more dramatically and rapidly than any time in recent history? #PMQs

Meanwhile all Johnson can do is criticise Starmer’s tone. Undercurrent is that criticism or scrutiny of the government is somehow going against public mood - in other words, unpatriotic. You know the words to this one. It’s beyond contempt. #PMQs

Starmer points out that ONS has written to the Health Secretary complaining about misuse and manipulation of data. All Johnson can do is complain, literally, that Starmer is questioning him. #PMQs

A zinger comes from genuine anger. Starmer wants to support the government where possible, he says - but ‘boy does the government make it hard’ #PMQs

Johnson now acting like Leader of the Opposition, asking what steps Starmer is taking and accusing him of making a U-turn. Perhaps the prime minister is already planning ahead #PMQs

Outrageous response from Johnson. Starmer points out the new voting system is direct discrimination. Johnson says MPs should do their job. Perhaps little surprise this should be the line from a government that declares you fit to work until you actually die #PMQs

The prime minister has literally just confirmed that discrimination against disabled people is just one of those things. They’re not even pretending anymore. #PMQs

‘Of course black lives matter’, says the prime minister who ridiculed African people and called for a return of the British Empire #PMQs

Verdict: Johnson came out swinging and tried to cast Starmer as going against public mood and spirit of cooperation, but he looked rattled and had no answers. Starmer’s grown in confidence. As usual, this obscenely lucky PM avoided a session last week after the Cummings scandal.