The Reformer

Electoral systems play a big role in the number of women elected

International Women’s Day: How Westminster’s voting system is holding back gender equality

What’s clear is that Westminster’s out-dated structures aren’t allowing the fair representation Britain needs. That’s bad news for everyone.

House of Lords

Why are there still hereditary peers in the House of Lords?

The ancient triumvirate of the British constitution – the Monarchy, the Lords and the Commons – is a historical trait...

Voters in Northern Ireland demand more transparency in politics

New research by the Electoral Commission has shown the public in Northern Ireland wants to see more transparency in politics....

UK government’s mandatory voter ID plans slammed by US civil rights groups

Leading US civil rights groups have sounded the alarm over UK government plans to exclude those who lack ID from...

There should be no off-switch for transparency

This loophole is letting lobbying go under the radar in Scotland

A major loophole in Scotland’s lobbying register is undermining transparency – with voters left in the dark about lobbying during...

This assembly has real clout and major backing

The Blaenau Gwent Climate Assembly is a first for Wales

This community could be about to change how communities in Wales help decide on climate policy. In just a few...

Parliament is considering turning its back on new ways of working

Both houses of Parliament have long been associated with inaccessibility, with working patterns designed around the diaries of married, middle-aged...

Campaigners call for Government to back franchise extension across the UK

May’s elections will see an exciting democratic first as voters head to the polls: 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales will...

One-party politics is over: Why pressure is building for proportional representation

Debate is growing about the need for a fair, democratic voting system. This week an editorial in the Guardian noted how the...

One in four Constituency Labour Parties now back Proportional Representation – so what’s next?

Pressure is growing. This week the campaign to get Labour to back electoral reform hit a new milestone. A quarter...

“Citizens’ assemblies are being used to upgrade Scottish democracy”

Holyrood must take forward the Citizens’ Assembly’s calls to revamp Scottish democracy

Politicians must move Scottish democracy forward by putting citizens at the centre, the ERS and 17 other leading organisations and...

Voter ID Required

How government voter ID plans are an expensive and dangerous distraction

At a cost of up to £20m per election, this is a colossal waste of energy and resources at a...