During Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, the UK experienced extreme turbulence related to the standards of ministerial behaviour. It wasn’t so much that ministers were behaving particularly badly, this happens to varying degrees during every … [Read more...] about The 2024 Ministerial Code: Weak Reforms and Missed Opportunities
With a Commons majority of 174, the new Labour government seems unassailable. Sir Keir Starmer could theoretically enact a policy programme entirely of his choosing without fear of being stymied by the parliamentary arithmetic. A powerful … [Read more...] about Can Labour Score ‘Quick Wins’ on Constitutional Reform?
Since the 2019 General Election, sixteen Members of Parliament have been suspended from the House of Commons, with some suspended for up to six weeks. Of that number, three were subsequently recalled by their constituents, and one more, the MP for … [Read more...] about Why are suspensions from the Commons on the rise?
Words scarcely do justice to the turbulence of the last two months. With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a new head of state, two new prime ministers, two new chancellors, countless ministerial appointments and resignations, economic turmoil and the … [Read more...] about Braverman’s new world
Media reports claim that Boris Johnson attempted to use his influence to land his then girlfriend, now wife, top jobs.[1] Is this corrupt? Assessing whether something is 'corrupt' is notoriously hard, usually due to obfuscation, a lack of … [Read more...] about ‘Carriegate’: should we conclude the Prime Minister is corrupt?
Is there a constitutional requirement for Boris Johnson to resign as Prime Minister? As is often the case with such questions, arriving at an answer is a complex task. The basic principles involved are set out in the Ministerial Code. Paragraph 1.3 c … [Read more...] about A constitutional requirement to resign?
The furore around Matt Hancock’s resignation. The questions about who first paid for the Downing Street flat refurbishment. The outrage that followed lobbying by former prime minister David Cameron. A series of recent events have raised questions … [Read more...] about The prime minister can strengthen the system for upholding standards in government without giving up his role as the ultimate arbiter
