A Labour MP has expressed concern at the speed of progress on the Renters Reform Bill – pushing Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt to give a report.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament with a fanfare four weeks ago when it had its First Reading in the Commons.

But when will it have its Second Reading? asked Labour’s Andrew Western yesterday.

It is against protocol for details of progress on a Bill to be given to individual MPs at a Commons Question Time but Mordaunt, on behalf of the government, gave a strong hint in her reply.

“I know that that Bill is of great interest to many Members, in all parts of this House. The honourable gentleman will know that I will say that I will announce business in the usual way, but I am optimistic that he will not have long to wait.”

Earlier this week the Renters Reform Coalition – a collection of 20 ginger groups, including Acorn which takes direct action against landlords and letting agents – held a parliamentary drop-in event to brief MPs on the Bill.

The RRC Twitter account suggests the event was dominated by Labour MPs – those pictured on social media include Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Rebecca Long Bailey, both shadow cabinet members when Jeremy Corbyn was leader.

Outgoing Green MP Caroline Lucas was also pictured.