May has dropped the new Lords appointments for now. Here’s what must happen nextFor months now, there has been widespread speculation that new appointments to the House of Lords were imminent. The second chamber – already overflowing with nearly 800 peers – was to welcome yet more former...Posted 16 Feb 2018
Local newspapers play a key role in our democracy and their decline is concerning“When trusted and credible news sources decline, we can become vulnerable to news which is untrustworthy.” So said the Prime Minister last week – representing fears even at the very top over the decline of...Posted 14 Feb 2018
There is no room left in the House of Lords and no appetite for yet more peersWhether it’s a restaurant, a stadium, or your belly – when something is full, logic determines you stop adding to it. This basic principle should be applied to the House of Lords, but it isn’t....Posted 14 Feb 2018
How Westminster’s voting system is holding back gender equalityIn the centenary month of women securing the franchise, looking back on the politics of previous decades throws up some grim reminders of discrimination. Take just one: when Janet Fookes was first elected to represent...Posted 13 Feb 2018
Five reforms still needed to ensure women are fairly represented in politicsThe Representation of the People Act 1918 was undoubtedly a significant step forward for women’s rights and democracy. It gave the to vote to around 8.5 million women previously disenfranchised and abolished almost all property restrictions on men. One hundred years later and both...Posted 06 Feb 2018
Welsh Assembly must not miss this golden opportunity for reformPolitics in Wales has reached a critical juncture – and this week Assembly Members (AMs) have a big decision to make. One road would see exciting changes to the way politicians are elected, placing power...Posted 06 Feb 2018
Social media can be an effective tool for MPs when done the right wayPolitical nuts were sent into a frenzy last week by the launch of a new social media platform – Matt Hancock. To briefly explain – the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,...Posted 05 Feb 2018
Why money still rules the roost in British PoliticsIf ever there was a story which revealed the disproportionate influence exerted by big party donors, it was the on the front page of The Times on Tuesday. The article set out what has been...Posted 31 Jan 2018
Wales is leading the way on democratic reform. The Prime Minister should take noteThe Welsh Government have just launched proposals that could revitalise democracy. But they could also send shock-waves to Westminster. In 2014, 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland won the right to vote in the...Posted 30 Jan 2018
How we vote has to change if our voices are to be heardIt came as no surprise this week that the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed nearly three in five people (57%) in the UK feel their views are not being represented in British politics. It is the inevitable consequence...Posted 24 Jan 2018