the government's control of the house of commons has weakened in recent years

Question 1

Party Fragmentation and Rebellion Have Weakened Majority Discipline

Answer 1

1. Theresa May’s Brexit deal was rejected three times, including the largest Commons defeat in history (by 230 votes in Jan 2019).

Question 2

Strengthened Role of Backbench MPs and Committees

Answer 2

1. In 2019, backbenchers successfully took control of the Commons order paper to pass legislation that blocked a no-deal Brexit (Benn Act) — a serious blow to Boris Johnson’s government.
2. The 2010 wright refroms– elected select committees and creation of BBBC

Question 3

Minority or Small Majority Governments

Answer 3

1. In 2019, Boris Johnson suspended 21 Tory MPs for rebelling, leaving him with no majority until the December election.

Question 4

Majority Governments Still Dominate

Answer 4

1. Boris Johnson’s 80-seat majority (2019) allowed him to pass the Withdrawal Agreement Act and implement COVID powers with little resistance.
2. during their entire term as PMs, both Tony Blair and Margaret thatcher were only defeated 4 times in HOC

Question 5

Control of Parliamentary Time and Agenda

Answer 5

1. Private Members’ Bills, another backbench tool, rarely succeed without government support — just 5% of PMBs
2. only one day a week is typically given to non-government business.–

Question 6

Party Loyalty and Whipping Remain Strong

Answer 6

1. The whip system remains powerful — MPs who rebel risk losing positions, funding, or even the whip (as seen when Johnson removed it from 21 Tory MPs in 2019).
2. Despite scandals, most Tory MPs continued to back Boris Johnson until pressure became overwhelming in mid-2022.