An exciting time to join ERS CymruAs she joins us as the new Director of ERS Cymru, Jess Blair sets out the challenges and opportunities for deepening Welsh democracy. In the last twelve months the political landscape across the world has...Posted 14 Mar 2017
A shifting Stormont: The view from the Belfast election countLast week’s surprise election in Northern Ireland, called in the aftermath of the Renewable Heating Scheme (RHI) scandal, yielded a result that few predicted. I spent the Friday of the election at Belfast’s Titanic Exhibition Centre, where...Posted 10 Mar 2017
The momentum for Lords reform is growingReform often comes through an unusual mix of factors. They stir up within a short space of time – until the whole strange potion explodes. It feels like we might be witnessing that process right...Posted 10 Mar 2017
The House of Lords effectively has seats reserved for menThe House of Lords is back in spotlight this morning, last night having again challenged the government’s Brexit plans by voting 336 to 268 for Parliament to be granted a meaningful vote on the final...Posted 08 Mar 2017
Lords scandals do a disservice to our democracy – including our MPsIf there’s one thing that’s certain about politics in these volatile times, it’s that MPs aren’t exactly flavour of the month. In fact, they’re ranked below bankers and estate agents when it comes to trust. But they...Posted 02 Mar 2017
‘Meet the Lords’ lays bare the scandalous situation in the upper chamberAnother year, another round of Lords scandals. This time, it’s revelations that a peer left a taxi waiting outside Parliament while he went inside to register for his daily £300 allowance – and then return to hop...Posted 28 Feb 2017
Lords reform shouldn’t be a threat – it’s a core part of ‘taking back control’Lords have begun debating the Article 50 Bill. With 191 speakers lined up and plenty of amendments tabled, it’s a fascinating moment for democracy and Britain’s constitution. What we’re witnessing is this: legislation that resulted from...Posted 20 Feb 2017
Northern Ireland’s voting system allows for a more diverse, open politicsLast year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election saw some fascinating developments. From a 50% increase in women’s representation, to the growth of cross-community parties and some surprise upsets, it was testament to an evolving democracy, under...Posted 17 Feb 2017
The inquiry on cutting the Lords risks looking like a stitch upBack in December, the House of Lords voted unanimously to back the statement “that this House believes that its size should be reduced, and methods should be explored by which this could be achieved”. It...Posted 14 Feb 2017
100,000 names for PR: let’s get fair votes on Parliament’s agendaFour months ago, an electoral reform supporter started a petition on the government’s e-petition site to introduce a proportional voting system for Westminster elections. Today, it has over 60,000 signatures – and is growing by the day....Posted 07 Feb 2017