The Reformer

A government defeat in the Lords can be all smoke and no fire

What happens when the Lords defeat the Government?

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, allowing deportations to Rwanda for certain migrants who arrive in the UK...

MPs and Peers recognise the benefits of STV when they are the voters

Where is Single Transferable Vote used in the UK?

Whilst First Past the Post is used for Westminster elections in the UK, it’s not the only way we elect...

We have long held up the Single Transferable Vote (STV) as the gold standard for proportional representation

Who invented the Single Transferable Vote?

The Electoral Reform Society has long held up the Single Transferable Vote as the gold standard for proportional representation. It’s...

Electing the second chamber doesnt itself lead to more conflict

Why an elected second chamber won’t lead to gridlock

Looking across the Atlantic at America’s Senate, it’s clear why concerns are often expressed that an elected second chamber may...

First Past the Post has often failed to live up to its supporters promises

How many hung parliaments has the UK had?

Westminster’s First Past the Post (FPTP) system often results in some parties gaining far more seats than their vote share...

A Senate of the Regions and Nations could provide a far stronger voice for the whole of the UK

What is a Senate of the Regions and Nations?

Over the years many parties and groups have suggested ideas for reform of the House of Lords. Recently, the Labour...

A ‘defeat’ in the House of Lords is very different to a defeat in the Commons

What is the role of the House of Lords and could it do more?

While the House of Lords is often in the press, it’s often due to the things its members should not...

The benefits of proportional representation for a reformed House of Lords are clear

Which is the best electoral system for the House of Lords?

Whenever the issue of creating an elected Second Chamber comes up, a common question is how it should be elected....

At over 800 peers in total, it dwarfs all other second chambers around the world

How many peers are there in the House of Lords – and how many does it need?

One of the unique features of our currently second chamber, apart from it being unelected and still partially based on...

When voters have an electoral system that works for them, Independent councillors get elected

Why independent candidates win with the Single Transferable Vote

Currently, there are 14 independent MPs in the House of Commons, which might seem to suggest Independent candidates can win...

In 2023 the global proportion of women parliamentarians just was 26 point 5 percent

Proportional representation helped women get elected in 2022

In January 2023, the global proportion of women parliamentarians just was 26.5%, indicating that there’s a way to go before...

The question of who gets to vote is more complicated than you might think

Exploring the franchise: Who can vote in UK elections?

The franchise has been in the news recently due to Labour considering plans to extend the franchise to resident EU...