The Reformer

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Our Parliament has made positive steps toward equal representation, but there’s still room for improvement
Women in Politics

It’s no accident that there are not enough women in Parliament

Women’s equal representation in Parliament matters for a host of reasons. From the simple fact that 50% of us are...

It makes no difference who many voters in England and Wales vote for
English Local Democracy

Why all local councils should be elected with proportional representation

If you live in England, you might be casting a vote for a councillor in a local election this May...

When it comes to local government, especially in England, the picture isn’t always straightforward
English Local Democracy

What are the different types of local government in England?

Understanding how the different levels of government in the UK can sometimes feel like piecing together a tricky puzzle. At...

A real problem with our voting system is that it delivers parliaments which are not proportional
Electoral Reform in Westminster

What voting system does the UK use for general elections?

Voting systems are the methods we use to elect representatives, like MPs or local councillors. They lay out rules about...

There are multiple routes into the House of Lords and they are all undemocratic
House of Lords

How are peers appointed to the House of Lords?

The House of Lords is the second chamber of our Parliament. Before bills become laws, they must pass through the...

Under PR you could expect to see parliaments which more accurately reflect votes cast in a general election
Electoral Reform in Westminster

How would proportional representation work in the UK?

Proportional Representation (PR) is the idea that seats in parliament should closely match votes cast in an election.  A system...

Money in Politics

What are the political donation rules in the UK?

This week the Observer spoke to our director of research, Jess Garland, about the inadequate rules surrounding party funding in...

Parliament’s petition site isn’t a magic route to changing the law
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Does the parliamentary petition site make a difference?

The parliamentary petition site is in the news at the moment, as nearly three million people have signed a petition...

Its time to inject new life into our politics by giving the vote to 16 and 17 year olds
Votes at 16

When was the voting age reduced from 21 to 18 in the UK?

The UK is no stranger to expanding the franchise. The age you have to be to cast a vote in...

Much like in the UK, the First Past the Post style Electoral College can crown the wrong winner
Electoral Reform in Westminster

Could Trump lose the popular vote for the third time but secure a second term as President?

Before the last US Presidential election, in 2020, we asked whether it was possible for Donald Trump to again lose...

A democratic mandate would mean better legislation in the long run
House of Lords

The Commons versus the Lords: What’s the difference?

Our parliament is made up of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but do we really need...

A Citizens Assembly is a group of people put together like a jury to think about an important issue
Citizens' Assemblies

What are the benefits of Citizens’ Assemblies, and should they be used more?

At the ERS, we’ve long campaigned for more involvement of citizens in the decisions that affect them. For politics to...