Harriet Harman filled in for Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's Questions today, and in my view she played a blinder.
Although there was a touch of the Prescotts about some of her responses, one thing that struck me was the way in which she dealt with some of the questions put to her.
Although the banter with William Hague was funny, she commenting that the government would take no advice about food wastage from a man who thinks 18 pints of beer is a good diet, and Hague responding that none of his youthful beer consumption was wasted, one thing stood out.
And it was not Hague's slick line, standing in for Cameron, that the PM is past his sell-by date.
It was the way that Harriet spoke to and listened to the Cabinet sitting around her.
On the economy, she was prompted by the Chancellor, and her answer was stronger for it.
On Heathrow expansion, she got advice from Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly and then answered.
On the emotive issue of Zimbabwean refugees, she was on the front bench talking to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to formulate her response.
Although there is no chance of Harriet becoming the next PM, I was impressed with her approach.
Government is collective, and should be co-operative.
It was a stark contrast with the macho posturing of Gordon Brown, and most other government ministers.
It was a small thing, but it made me want to back her more when, instead of pretending she was master of all trades, she turned to the people around her who knew more about each issue for help with her answers to MPs.
It felt more real, and for a small moment I was impressed by Harriet Harman.
