Week in Westminster - 05/06/2010

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.