The Reformer

Local spending matters when votes aren’t equal

Today we have seen the consequences of a violation of the rules on campaign spending, one facet of the way political parties...

A shifting Stormont: The view from the Belfast election count

Last week’s surprise election in Northern Ireland, called in the aftermath of the Renewable Heating Scheme (RHI) scandal, yielded a result that...

House of Lords

The momentum for Lords reform is growing

Reform often comes through an unusual mix of factors. They stir up within a short space of time – until...

Lords effectively has seats reserved for men

The House of Lords effectively has seats reserved for men

The House of Lords is back in spotlight this morning, last night having again challenged the government’s Brexit plans by...

House of Lords

Lords scandals do a disservice to our democracy – including our MPs

If there’s one thing that’s certain about politics in these volatile times, it’s that MPs aren’t exactly flavour of the...

House of Lords

‘Meet the Lords’ lays bare the scandalous situation in the upper chamber

Another year, another round of Lords scandals. This time, it’s revelations that a peer left a taxi waiting outside Parliament while he...

House of Lords libary

Lords reform shouldn’t be a threat – it’s a core part of ‘taking back control’

Lords have begun debating the Article 50 Bill. With 191 speakers lined up and plenty of amendments tabled, it’s a fascinating...

Northern Ireland’s voting system allows for a more diverse, open politics

Last year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election saw some fascinating developments. From a 50% increase in women’s representation, to the growth...

House of Lords

The inquiry on cutting the Lords risks looking like a stitch up

Back in December, the House of Lords voted unanimously to back the statement “that this House believes that its size...

100,000 names for PR: let’s get fair votes on Parliament’s agenda

Four months ago, an electoral reform supporter started a petition on the government’s e-petition site to introduce a proportional voting system for...

House of Lords benches

How to shrink the Lords: have your say today

If you think the House of Lords is in dire need of a shakeup, it’s time to tell Peers what you think....

It’s time to put ‘take back control’ into action

It’s been a slow path, but the government’s White Paper on Brexit is another step towards giving Parliament a role in the...