The Reformer

other countries have powerful regional representatives, Britain remains the odd-one-out

How are the members of upper houses chosen around the world?

Many countries use a bicameral political system – meaning that they have two chambers in their parliament. These parliaments are...

Big Ben

Thanks to our supporters we’ve recruited a new Lakeman Fellow

We are delighted to announce that we recently appointed a new Lakeman Fellow to join the ERS team. The Lakeman Fellowship for...

There are many ways party leaders and prime ministers are chosen across Europe

How are Prime Ministers chosen around the world?

With pressure mounting on Boris Johnson, it’s looking increasingly possible that Britain could well soon have a new Prime Minister....

This bill will put too much power in the hands of the government

Now it’s over to the Lords to prevent the government’s assault on democracy

Yesterday was a dark day for democracy. Despite widespread opposition from campaigners, election experts, academics and civil society the government’s...

MPs propose proportional representation amendments to the Elections Bill

On Monday MPs have a chance to pass an election bill that actually works

Opposition MPs have tabled amendments on reforming our voting system that would improve our elections for voters across the country....

The Elections Bill will hand huge powers to the government over our elections

The government should stop and re-think the 2022 Elections Bill as it returns to the Commons

The government’s Elections Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday 17th January despite the opposition against their plans...

Tin of Paint

Not what it says on the tin: 8 political parties that could do with a name change

There are some parties you come across where there is a total disconnect between the name and the party. Names...

2022 is a big year for presidential elections in Europe

How are Presidents elected around Europe?

2022 is a big year for presidential elections in Europe – with the Italian, German and French presidencies all open...

A tram in portugal

As Portugal heads to the polls – how do Portuguese elections work?

Portugal is holding a snap election at the end of the month after parliament rejected the budget proposed by António...

Senior MPs tell government evidence has simply not been good enough

Even senior MPs agree the government needs to pause and rethink the 2022 Elections Bill

Earlier this week, the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs (PACAC) select committee published the final report of...

With First Past the Post extreme candidates simply join mainstream parties

Does First Past the Post stop extremists getting into parliaments?

If you listen to supporters of first past the post, you might be forgiven for thinking that British voters are...

Opposition held safe seats can be easily ignored

Levelling Down: First Past the Post’s impact on regional inequality

Looking at just national disproportionality hides far more damning realities of how First Past the Post (FPTP) distorts the votes...