Feature: Corbyn experiences memorable first day in parliament as new Labour leader

Britain's Palace of Westminster saw newly-elected Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn perform at his first prime minister's questions (PMQ).

Traditionally, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition lock horns over hot political issues of the day.

At high noon, Corbyn took his seat on the front bench opposite Prime Minister David Cameron, and a packed House of Commons awaited the potential fireworks.

No time for training, dress rehearsals, of a dry run, he was thrown into the "bear pit" and everyone waited to see if he would be eaten alive by his more polished and experienced combatant facing him, just over two-sword lengths across the floor of the house.

Instead, Corbyn told Cameron that he planned to change things with a different style of PMQs, and announced he had asked ordinary people to tell him the questions they wanted putting to the prime minister.

His e-mail inbox was flooded with 40,000 responses from across the country. Then, one by one, he fired six questions across the floor of the houses, dealing with housing, rents, mental health and the threat to government assistance to boost household incomes of low-paid families.

Corbyn was propelled into the political limelight after spending 33 years in the House of Commons on the back benches representing a London constituency.

Questions to Cameron, via Corbyn, came from a lady called Marie, another from Paul, and a third from a lady called Gail. When Corbyn announced another question from Angela -- his newly-appointed deputy -- Angela Eagle, he could be seen with a smile mouthing the words "It's not me."

Corbyn said he wanted the weekly sessions to be less theatrical and Cameron agreed with him. In fact, when Cameron himself, became opposition leader in 2005, he said he wanted to see an end to "Punch and Judy" politics.

Since Cameron became prime minister in 2010, the weekly sessions have often become hostile on both sides.

Cameron, having today warmly welcomed Corbyn to his new job, told him "no one would be more delighted than me if PMQs could become a genuine exercise in asking questions and answering questions."

Corbyn was still facing criticism Wednesday after his critics, including pro-government media, slated him for not joining in the singing of the British National Anthem during a service to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Aides said the new leader, an acknowledged anti-royalist, had been respectful during the service. It demonstrated that from now on every move he makes, or doesn't make, will be watched by eagle-eyed critics.

The Daily Mail newspaper said of his performance at PMQs: "Jeremy Corbyn today sought to tear up the rulebook at prime minister's questions in an attempt to rescue his troubled leadership."

The newspaper's comment added: "Labour MPs sat in near-silence behind their leader who has had a torrid time since he was elected just four days ago."

The broadsheet newspaper Daily Telegraph said: "Has there ever been a PMQs quite like it? Not according to most hacks (journalists) watching on from the press gallery as Jeremy Corbyn rose to his feet for his first PMQs as party leader."

Corbyn's closest allies will be delighted that he came through today's debut PMQ with what can best be described as a "no score draw." Endit