The Reformer

Seven reasons to cancel the cut in the number of MPs

Six months ago it appeared that controversial changes to electoral boundaries were to be dropped by the government. There has...

George Osborne is far from the only Tory backing Votes at 16

Votes at 16 not a Tory policy? Think again. George Osborne has become the latest in a succession of Conservatives...

Empty House of Lords

May has dropped the new Lords appointments for now. Here’s what must happen next

For months now, there has been widespread speculation that new appointments to the House of Lords were imminent.  The second...

Newspapers

Local newspapers play a key role in our democracy and their decline is concerning

“When trusted and credible news sources decline, we can become vulnerable to news which is untrustworthy.” So said the Prime...

There is no room left in the House of Lords and no appetite for yet more peers

Whether it’s a restaurant, a stadium, or your belly – when something is full, logic determines you stop adding to...

How Westminster’s voting system is holding back gender equality

In the centenary month of women securing the franchise, looking back on the politics of previous decades throws up some...

A portrait of the leader of the Women's Suffragette movement, Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst (left) and her daughters Christabel (centre) and Sylvia (right) at Waterloo Station, London. Mrs Pankhurst was about to leave for a lecture tour of the USA and Canada.

Five reforms still needed to ensure women are fairly represented in politics

The Representation of the People Act 1918 was undoubtedly a significant step forward for women’s rights and democracy.  It gave the to vote to around...

Welsh Assembly must not miss this golden opportunity for reform

Politics in Wales has reached a critical juncture – and this week Assembly Members (AMs) have a big decision to...

Matt Hancock MP

Social media can be an effective tool for MPs when done the right way

Political nuts were sent into a frenzy last week by the launch of a new social media platform – Matt...

Why money still rules the roost in British Politics

If ever there was a story which revealed the disproportionate influence exerted by big party donors, it was the on...

Wales is leading the way on democratic reform. The Prime Minister should take note

The Welsh Government have just launched proposals that could revitalise democracy. But they could also send shock-waves to Westminster. In...

House of Commons

How we vote has to change if our voices are to be heard

It came as no surprise this week that the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed nearly three in five people (57%) in the...