Miliband's benefits challenge hits Cameron where it hurts for rowdy first question time

Ed Miliband's appointment as leader may not have thrilled all Labour MPs, but those crammed onto the green benches yesterday were in good voice as he entered the chamber moments after David Cameron and Nick Clegg strolled in.

As Cameron himself will know from having gone through the same experience, however much preparation goes in beforehand it is difficult to stem the nerves ahead of the first appearance of the weekly showdown.

Mr Miliband sought comfort in the jug of water in front of him. As the Commons was called to attention he clasped his hands together. He reached for another reassuring sip before realising the Prime Minister was embarking on a tribute to troops killed in recent weeks and swiftly drew his hands back onto his lap. He smiled as Cameron wished him the best – and then his moment came.

Gently he grabbed hold of the Despatch Box, straightened his papers, and sought safe ground with a sombre question about the death of hostage Linda Norgrove as experienced eyes watched from behind.

Jack Straw, the former Justice Secretary, observed events from the third row. Ex Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth squeezed in to the end of a row at the far end of the chamber, alongside Gloria De Piero.

Labour's Chief Whip Rosie Winterton manned the end of the front bench, donning the knee high stilletoed boots which look painful enough to deter any rebels, while the rest of the Yorkshire Mafia now holding office at the top of the party were also on display. Ed Balls who watched on in subdued fashion next to the Speaker, perhaps still chewing over why he was denied the shadow chancellorship.

Miliband returned to the Despatch Box to hit the coalition where it hurts – withdrawing child benefit from higher rate taxpayers. Did it strike the Prime Minister as fair?

He knows his opposite number cannot answer in any honesty yes, so it was good territory to pursue. Growing in confidence, he produced a quote from a pre-election Cameron promising not to fiddle with the benefit. The Prime MInister responded by producing a quote as well justifying the move – although he then revealed it was from Alan Milburn, a close ally of Tony Blair who has already made clear he is no great Ed fan, so hardly a devastating attack.

There was even an audacious incident of theft – stealing Cameron's own line from his first PMQs to say "I may be new to this game, but I think that I ask the questions and the Prime Minister should answer them".

What Fifa President Sepp Blatter made of it all, sitting at the back of the chamber, is anyone's guess. It's a funny old game, maybe?