The Reformer

House of Lords

Let’s postpone bizarre peer by-elections for good

Even in today’s climate, hereditary peer by-elections are among the more absurd aspects of British politics. Following the retirement of...

Assemblies can help set out a vision for change from the bottom up

Could the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland change how politics is done for good?

A new way of doing democracy is being trialled in Scotland – and the ERS is at the heart of...

Parliament must ensure proper scrutiny amid coronavirus crisis

Parliament’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has identified the need for sweeping changes in how Westminster operates to protect MPs...

Polling Station

2019 General Election Results

In an election campaign characterised by uncertainty and volatility, it came as a surprise to many that the result would...

Little evidence to suggest that electoral pacts had ‘material impact on the result’

Last week I wrote about tactical voting at the 2019 General Election, after the ERS revealed that almost a third...

Why do they do it Because without the light of democratic scrutiny they can

Lording it over us: Peers’ expenses free-for-all continues

It’s a story we’ve heard too many times: unelected Lords cashing it in. This weekend, fresh revelations in the Sunday...

Voters are systematically ignored

Ignored and unrepresented: Report reveals how Westminster’s electoral system continues to fail voters

Something is deeply wrong when over 70% of votes count for nothing. That’s what Westminster’s voting system did in December’s...

2019 General Election Report Share

Voters Left Voiceless – The 2019 General Election

For all the talk of December’s poll as a ‘People versus Parliament’ election, it looks like neither won. 22.6 million....

Labour leadership candidates set out their stalls on political reform for the ERS

Labour members have received their ballot papers and are voting in the leadership and deputy leadership contests – with polls...

Peers’ daily allowance is to rise to £323 per day

Oh Lord… Defender of hereditary peers is made minister for political reform

Last week’s government reshuffle saw some strange moves. Boris Johnson appointed a former speechwriter to John Major, Lord True, as...

Parties know they can’t just ignore an area or take others for granted

In Ireland, it actually feels like my vote makes a difference

As part of a series on the experiences of voters in the Irish 2020 election, we wanted to speak with...

I was spoilt for choice in candidates

STV allowed me to consider the candidates in greater detail

As part of a series on the experiences of voters in the Irish 2020 election, we wanted to speak with...