The Ethics and Integrity Commission has published a report on how to reform how lobbying of government is regulated, reported and monitored. Peter Riddell welcomes many of the findings and recommendations, and urges Andy Burnham to legislate to implement as many of the report's recommendations as possible, preferably in a broader bill that seeks to make large scale reforms to the wider standards regime. 

The Ethics and Integrity Commission has published a report on how to reform how lobbying of government is regulated, reported and monitored. Peter Riddell welcomes many of the findings and recommendations, and urges Andy Burnham to legislate to implement as many of the report's recommendations as possible, preferably in a broader bill that seeks to make large scale reforms to the wider standards regime. 

The Ethics and Integrity Commission has published a report on how to reform how lobbying of government is regulated, reported and monitored. Peter Riddell welcomes many of the findings and recommendations, and urges Andy Burnham to legislate to implement as many of the report's recommendations as possible, preferably in a broader bill that seeks to make large scale reforms to the wider standards regime. 

The past four months have seen nationally important by-elections, local elections in England, national elections in Scotland and Wales, and Keir Starmer's resignation. In this post, which replicates the lead article of the latest issue of Monitor, Alan Renwick and Tom Fleming reflect on the constitutional successes and failures of the Starmer government, and look ahead to what a Burnham government might bring for the constitution.

The past four months have seen nationally important by-elections, local elections in England, national elections in Scotland and Wales, and Keir Starmer's resignation. In this post, which replicates the lead article of the latest issue of Monitor, Alan Renwick and Tom Fleming reflect on the constitutional successes and failures of the Starmer government, and look ahead to what a Burnham government might bring for the constitution.

Important constitutional conventions around mid-term changes of Prime Minister have not yet been written down. In the latest in our mini-series of blog posts on the government’s planned update of the Cabinet Manual, Peter Riddell examines what the revised Manual should say to plug this gap.

Important constitutional conventions around mid-term changes of Prime Minister have not yet been written down. In the latest in our mini-series of blog posts on the government’s planned update of the Cabinet Manual, Peter Riddell examines what the revised Manual should say to plug this gap.

The Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit gave oral evidence to MPs as part of an inquiry into Backbench Business Committee and Petitions Committee Debates.

Important constitutional conventions around mid-term changes of Prime Minister have not yet been written down. In the latest in our mini-series of blog posts on the government’s planned update of the Cabinet Manual, Peter Riddell examines what the revised Manual should say to plug this gap.

Important constitutional conventions around mid-term changes of Prime Minister have not yet been written down. In the latest in our mini-series of blog posts on the government’s planned update of the Cabinet Manual, Peter Riddell examines what the revised Manual should say to plug this gap.

Peter Riddell’s blog on 5 June welcomed the government’s change of heart in deciding to revise and update the Cabinet Manual, and outlined some of the key issues involved. This post by Robert Hazell explores in greater depth the process to be followed by the Cabinet Office in trying to ensure the manual enjoys the widest possible level of support. A third post (to be published next week) will analyse some of the difficult questions which will need to be addressed in terms of the manual’s substantive content.

This online conference will take stock of recent constitutional developments, and look ahead, with a range of senior speakers including parliamentarians, academics, and commentators.

Meg Russell has written a chapter on 'The Debate in Parliament, 2016–19' in Anthony Seldon’s new book The Brexit Effect, 2016–2026.

Peter Riddell’s blog on 5 June welcomed the government’s change of heart in deciding to revise and update the Cabinet Manual, and outlined some of the key issues involved. This post by Robert Hazell explores in greater depth the process to be followed by the Cabinet Office in trying to ensure the manual enjoys the widest possible level of support. A third post (to be published next week) will analyse some of the difficult questions which will need to be addressed in terms of the manual’s substantive content.

This week, the Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet Manual will be updated. In this post, Peter Riddell welcomes this news, explains the background, and discusses some of the challenges that drafters will face – arguing that wide consultation can help resolve these dilemmas.

This week, the Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet Manual will be updated. In this post, Peter Riddell welcomes this news, explains the background, and discusses some of the challenges that drafters will face – arguing that wide consultation can help resolve these dilemmas.

The Cabinet Manual is an important guide to the workings of the UK’s uncodified constitution, providing an accessible roadmap for ministers, officials and the public. But the document has not been …

The revelations about the process by which Peter Mandelson was appointed to serve as Ambassador to the United States of America have once again raised questions about the suitability of the UK’s standards regime. Peter Riddell argues that ministers must be proactive, seeking to future proof the system through legislation, rather than reactively asking for reviews and tinkering with the rules when flaws in the system are exposed.

The revelations about the process by which Peter Mandelson was appointed to serve as Ambassador to the United States of America have once again raised questions about the suitability of the UK’s standards regime. Peter Riddell argues that ministers must be proactive, seeking to future proof the system through legislation, rather than reactively asking for reviews and tinkering with the rules when flaws in the system are exposed.

The UK awards hundreds of honours each year to mark notable achievements and contributions to society. These awards – such as knighthoods, damehoods, and OBEs – can be a source of pride and a cause…

On 13 October the government launched the new Ethics and Integrity Commission, which supersedes the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL). Peter Riddell and Robert Hazell welcome the creation of the new body, but say that it will need stronger membership, more staff and resources, and a statutory foundation.

Peter Riddell welcomes the reforms, but argues that legislation would enhance further action should be taken before the end of the current parliament.

Ahead of our annual conference, which starts next week and features a keynote speech by Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, @lisajames.bsky.social‬ analyses government progress so far against the commitments in its manifesto

Join us to hear Sir John Major and Doug Chalmers discuss how ethical standards can be upheld in the future.

Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy

Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy