How tonight’s no confidence vote could help Theresa May

Another day, another big vote in the Commons. But as with yesterday, there is a sense in Westminster that tonight’s vote is a foregone conclusion. Theresa May is expected to win it as the DUP are still backing her, as are the ERG and no Tory second referendum types have come out against her.

Now, it might seem odd that the Commons can inflict the biggest defeat on a government of the modern era, on the defining issue of the parliament on Tuesday and then affirm its confidence in that government on the Wednesday. But that is British politics right now.

If this no confidence vote goes as expected, it will help Theresa May. It will allow her to say that she still has the confidence of the Commons and so can carry on governing.

But it is worth remembering that May is in a constitutionally unique position.