The House of Commons is already regularly lambasted for being overly theatrical but attempts to modernise its practices risk turning parliamentarians into thespians, performing rehearsed lines at pre-agreed intervals. Earlier this month, the … [Read more...] about Call Lists at Westminster: You Can Count Me Out
MPs.
Moonlighting MPs: Should our parliamentarians have second jobs?
The very thought of holding down a second job while I was a Member of Parliament was, frankly, laughable. Not only did it seem right to focus on the work I'd been elected to do, but the weekly 400-mile round trip between Westminster and the … [Read more...] about Moonlighting MPs: Should our parliamentarians have second jobs?
Crossing the floor: should we worry about MPs changing party?
As MPs begin campaigning for the upcoming election, how should they interpret a vote in their favor? Is it merely a vote for their party’s platform, such that any coherent adult representing the same would win? Alternatively, it might be … [Read more...] about Crossing the floor: should we worry about MPs changing party?
Institutional Incentives for Dissent? Rebellion in Parliament under First-Past-the-Post
“It would really be simpler and more economical to keep a flock of tame sheep and from time to time drive them into the division lobbies in appropriate numbers”[1] So Christopher Hollis MP notoriously lamented in 1949 because MPs so rarely voted … [Read more...] about Institutional Incentives for Dissent? Rebellion in Parliament under First-Past-the-Post
Why are suspensions from the Commons on the rise?
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?
Have MPs become ‘super-councillors’ when they should be legislators?
Members of Parliament are under scrutiny as never before. Social media, the 24-hour news cycle and the growth of restless political activism all conspire to ensure our elected representatives can never be off duty. These factors have another effect … [Read more...] about Have MPs become ‘super-councillors’ when they should be legislators?
MPs’ offices are at capacity
Little is ever said or known about the most populous group in parliament, the Members’ staff. Though we are an overwhelming majority in Parliament, not much is understood about our role in the wider political arena. The reason for this is that it’s … [Read more...] about MPs’ offices are at capacity