Electoral Reform
The Time Has Come to Make Every Vote Count
Andy Burnham's National Commission on Electoral Reform creates a rare opportunity to replace First Past the Post with a system voters can believe in.
Latest articles
Local Government
Local government reform meets reality
The pause in local government reorganisation shows how difficult structural change can be to realise. Does this widen the gap between pledges and delivery?
Planning and Place
What Mayoral Call-In Means for Local Democracy
New planning powers could strengthen English devolution, but they also expose a fault line between regional growth and local democracy.
Planning and Place
The Problem with Planning Committees
Planning committees are supposed to balance local democratic accountability with the wider need for development. Too often, however, the incentives facing councillors favour those who shout loudest.
Standards and Ethics
The Case for Increased Security for MPs
The shocking murder of Ann Widdecombe must result in meaningful change to protect politicians and the integrity of our democracy.
Leadership
Starmer Departs as Politics Finally Felt Human
Keir Starmer's resignation raises questions about leadership, public connection and whether uncontested succession strengthens or weakens democracy.
Video
Is Andy Burnham set for No. 10?
After his win in Makerfield, Andy Burnham now looks set to become the next Labour Prime Minister.
Campaigns
Democracy Insight Launches AI Transparency Campaign and Publishes AI Policy
New campaign calls for transparency, deepfake safeguards and responsible AI in politics.
Elections
Makerfield voters face huge political burden
Makerfield is becoming more than a local by-election, with voters caught between national political battles and the simple question of who should represent them.
Video
How will a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of The Labour Party actually play out?
A clear explanation of how a challenge to Keir Starmer might play out and what challengers need to do to trigger a leadership contest.
Parliament
Behind the Labour Leadership Struggle
Labour unrest around Keir Starmer is growing, but dissatisfaction alone is not enough. Without a clear successor, removing him remains a major political gamble.
Elections
What do the 2026 local elections mean for Democracy?
Reform UK's rise reflects growing voter frustration, weakening two-party politics and a shift towards more populist, fragmented democracy.
Democracy Explained
Political discourse is hardening. That should worry us.
Democracy depends on disagreement that can be handled without treating opponents as enemies, institutions as conspiracies, or compromise as betrayal.