The Reformer

Scottish local government

Local government in Scotland is top-down and distant – but we can change that

If there was once a connection between elected councillors in Scotland and the communities they supposedly represent, this has long...

Five New Year’s resolutions ministers should be signing up to

If 2018 has shown us anything, it’s that the debates over the state of our democracy are as crucial as...

citizens assembly on brexit

There’s a way through this Brexit gridlock which can unite the country

The likelihood of politicians reaching a consensus on Brexit appears to be diminishing by the day – to consternation on...

Why the Brexit TV debate debacle shows party leaders must be compelled to take part

There was a story noticeably absent on the front pages on Monday: Sunday night’s Brexit TV leaders debate. That’s because...

Burns report on size of the House of Lords

The Burns Report – Where Are We One Year On?

Mariya Green reflects on some of the research undertaken during her placement at the ERS The report of the Lord...

ERS in the Press – November 2018

Here is just a highlight of the coverage our campaigns have received in the press this month. MPs call for end to...

The future of Welsh democracy? Interviews with Welsh leadership candidates

In just a few week’s time Wales will have its next First Minister in place, with a three way race...

Polling Station Sign on the floor

Foreign influence, not voter fraud, is the biggest threat to our democracy

“Do we need to start messaging ‘widespread reports of election fraud’, so we are positively set up for the recount...

The threat of dark money goes beyond Brexit

Two and a half years on from the EU referendum, the result is still being discussed and debated. Arguably more...

House of Lords

Lords lost in stasis as fake reforms go nowhere

Politics is often dominated by disagreements, but one thing almost everyone agrees on is this: the House of Lords is...

cemetery of first past the post

Four countries where First Past the Post is dead and buried

As a Halloween treat, we thought we’d have a spooky stroll around the graveyard of First Past the Post. Around...

Inside the backbench burial ground of Private Members’ Bills

Most of the legislation that Parliament passes is introduced and backed by the government. But for thirteen Fridays in each...