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Sophy Ridge, Sky News Presenter

Political journalists are having a field day. At a time when Parliament is usually slowing down ahead of the summer recess, a constant feed of news, leaks and gossip is fuelling the Westminster machine.

For members of the press, this is like chomping on a steak after months of starvation.

The pre-election Theresa May regime was the most controlled media environment that I can remember during 10 years as a Westminster journalist. Access was closely guarded by the Prime Minister's two territorial Chiefs of Staff and press officers were too frightened to step out of line.

While Theresa May was riding high in the polls, her Cabinet were muted and obedient. Success commands loyalty.

To get a sense of how much has changed, just look at this weekend's Sunday Times story about comments Chancellor Philip Hammond allegedly made in Cabinet about public sector workers being overpaid.

Usually what happens in Cabinet stays in Cabinet, but political editor Tim Shipman was told about the alleged remarks by five different sources. FIVE. Just let that sink in.

In my opinion, leaks get a bad rap and are actually a sign of a functioning democracy. Rather than policy being decided behind closed doors and only carefully filtered out to the public after being stripped of any controversy or nuance, it's much better for us to know the truth about what our elected representatives do and think.

As a result the Government losing its majority in last month's election is leading to a more open form of politics - and that's not the only reason the result might be good for democracy.

With the authority of No 10 and the Prime Minister diminished, this truly is a backbencher's parliament.

We have already seen concrete examples of lowly MPs shaping government policy, such as Labour's Stella Creasy on abortion access for women travelling from Northern Ireland.

Without the cushion of a comfortable majority, Theresa May was forced to make concessions or face losing a crucial parliamentary vote. Plans to axe free school meals and hold a vote on fox hunting have also been scrapped.

With Brexit looming, there will be many, many more battles to come with backbench MPs invigorated by their new importance.

The controlling forces of No 10 will always be wary of chaos.

But a Government forced to listen, compromise and consider other viewpoints - particularly when it is open to full media scrutiny - is a good thing for our democracy. We should welcome it.

Previously on Sky Views: Greg Milam - Why case of Charlie Gard resonates in US

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Sky Views: Leaks and chaos are good for democracy - Sky News