A big day for the House of Commons.

The Wright Committee’s recommendations go through. They allow for the election of Select Committee chairs and the setting up of a Backbench Business Committee.

The important changes will help free the Commons from the tyranny of the whips.

In what was supposed to be a free vote, I see some Ministers being shepherded out of the No lobby by one of the said whips and, presumably, into the aye lobby during the vote on an amendment to the Motion setting up a Backbench Business Committee.

A truly dispiriting sight.

Fortunately, the vote was won. 221 against 106.

Forces of darkness O       Forces of enlightenment 1