PMQs Verdict: Whilst Dave and Ed shadow-boxed, Dennis stole the show

Ed doesn’t want to talk about the economy, says Dave. Dave doesn’t want to talk about the cost of living crisis, says Ed.

But it was Dennis who stole the show.

Another PMQs, another rehearsal of the attack lines for the next election. David Cameron quite rightly noted – as he’s going to increasingly in the coming months – that Labour doesn’t want to talk about “the economy”. That all goes back to the “growth and jobs” mantra (remember that?). It was good for what it was – and introduced some much needed message discipline to Labour’s offering, but there was always a risk that once there were more jobs and growth ticked up we’d see it rammed down our throats.

What’s surprising though is how quickly Cameron is willing to claim victory. 18,000 new jobs and a smidgen of growth does not a recovery make.

Which, of course, is why Miliband has pivoted towards “cost of living” as his message. An escape from recession isn’t worth a hill of beans if no-one feels the pounds in their pocket – and he’s even got a killer stat to drive that home. In 39 out of 40 months of Cameron’s premiership, living standards have fallen. Oof. And with wages not likely to hit pre-reccession levels for years, that statistic is only going to get worse for Cameron.

But the person who stole the show at PMQs today wasn’t Cameron or Miliband – they were just shadow boxing, and replaying past battles. No, today’s PMQs was stolen by Dennis Skinner – that old stager – who had so often attracted attention at PMQs for his angry, roaring, finger-jabbing attacks on the Prime Minister.

But this week he was different. He spoke quietly and passionately, the anger fuelling him, pushing him on as he spoke out against ATOS and the cruel and tragic death of one of his constituents.

So often these days politicians tend to believe oratory is about standing up and reading out blandishments. Today Dennis Skinner showed them how it was done. It was powerful. It was wonderful. It was the most important contribution at PMQs by a mile.

Ed and Dave – and MPs in general – take note. Passion is important.