The Commons Weekly…

…is going to be a new concise political briefing that breaks down the most important developments in the House of Commons each week. I hope that it will provide readers with an accessible overview of parliamentary debates, party tensions, leadership dynamics and key policy discussions. Each edition highlights the stories shaping Westminster, explains why they matter and offers calm, analytical commentary without unnecessary jargon. Whether it is shifts in party loyalty, legislative battles or major political statements, The Commons Weekly keeps readers informed about what is really happening inside Parliament.

Tory Defections

This week’s movement in Westminster centred on a growing number of Conservatives defecting to Reform UK, with Suella Braverman’s departure the standout moment. Her shift, along with those of several other former Tory MPs, has reshaped the opposition benches far more than the government’s. These defections do not affect Labour’s large majority, but they have fractured the Right in Parliament, leaving the Conservatives competing not only with Labour but with a louder, more confident Reform UK presence, who are perhaps now leading the Right in to the 2028 General Election.

Ministers tried to play down the departures as acts of personal ambition, but Braverman’s move highlighted deeper frustrations inside the Conservative Party over immigration, law and order and what critics see as a loss of ideological direction. Reform UK quickly capitalised, presenting Braverman’s arrival as proof that it is now the natural home for the Right.

The practical impact is a Commons where the Conservatives struggle to project unity. Reform MPs, backed by Braverman’s profile, now challenge them directly on core issues, forcing the Conservatives to defend their record from two sides. The numbers in Parliament remain unchanged, but the political mood has shifted. The defections have made the Conservative opposition look divided at the very moment it needs stability, while giving Reform UK greater visibility and momentum on the Commons floor. Although, having said that, surely there are only so many second rate Conservative MPs Reform can take in before they become a retirement home for the Conservative party, something Farage would surely hate to happen.

Labour Blocking Andy Burnham: Effects on Starmer’s Leadership

Labour found itself dealing with renewed internal friction this week after the leadership blocked Andy Burnham from entering the selection for the Gorton and Denton by-election. Burnham had made it clear he was ready to return to Westminster and his profile as a successful regional mayor meant his interest carried real weight inside the party. The NEC’s decision to stop him, officially to avoid triggering a fresh mayoral contest in Greater Manchester, immediately drew scrutiny.

Although Starmer insisted that the move was about timing, practicality and most importantly cost, it has revived questions over how centrally controlled Labour has become under Starmer. Many Labour MPs voiced unease with over 50 of Keir’s backbench MPs signing a letter to object to this decision, arguing that the handling of the situation made the party look closed rather than confident. For them, the issue was less about Burnham personally and more about the message it sends when a prominent figure is shut out of a safe-seat contest and local decision-making is overruled by national directives based on factional politics.

Politically, Starmer is not damaged in any structural sense, but the optics are awkward. Labour has worked hard to present itself as united and disciplined, yet the Burnham affair hints at deeper tensions over candidate selection and the influence of regional power bases. Furthermore, the decision gives the by-election a make or break feel to it, with the door wide open for Reform to win the seat. Reform immediately selected one of their best candidates, the former academic, Matt Goodwin, who has impeccable local credentials and a national following. If Goodwin manages a win for Reform the turmoil that Starmer hoped to avoid until at least the local elections may cause a vacancy at No. 10 earlier than even his sharpest internal Labour critics hoped.

Starmer’s Response to Trump’s absurd comments on Afghanistan

A further key moment came when Donald Trump made pointed remarks about Europe and the United Kingdom’s role in Afghanistan and Britain’s withdrawal strategy. Asked to respond, Starmer opted for a cautious and measured tone. He stressed the importance of respecting the sacrifices of British troops and reaffirmed Labour’s support for NATO cooperation, while avoiding a direct confrontation with Trump.

This response drew mixed reactions across the Commons. Conservative MPs argued that Starmer appeared hesitant and too eager to avoid upsetting Washington. Critics framed Starmer’s quiet, if determined reaction as lacking the confidence of a future statesman. In contrast, Labour loyalists praised the restrained tone and said it reflected a commitment to serious foreign policy rather than political theatre.

The moment underscored a recurring question about Starmer. His instinct is to tread carefully, but caution often appears as weakness. The incident has revived discussion about how a future Labour government would manage relations with a more unpredictable United States and whether Starmer can project authority on defence and foreign affairs. On this occasion Starmer dealt with it well, standing up for the UK against Trump’s rash, perhaps absurd comments and gaining a partial retraction, apparently with the help of Buckingham Palace.

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Alex