Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: abour came to power in the 2024 general election promising constitutional reform in various arenas.Its manifesto laid out ambitions to restore trust in politics, improve behaviour and decision-making and "deepen our democracy by reforming Parliament".In pursuit of these goals, it pledged numerous reforms to UK-level institutions.1 Progressive constitutional reform tends to suggest a wider sharing of power, and the strengthening of checks and balances on the executive.But the government that has newly taken office, with an ambitious policy agenda to deliver and supported by a large majority, faces clear incentives that push in the other direction."the government that has newly taken office … faces clear incentives that push in the other direction"This article briefly surveys the new government's pledges on the constitution and the tension between a policy agenda that promises to strengthen checks and balances, and the incentives of delivery in government.It then considers how this tension might play out, and what other challenges the government might face, in three key constitutional areas: reform of the House of Lords, change in the House of Commons and changes to the standards system.THE GOVERNMENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM AGENDA Labour's manifesto proposals included ambitious changes to UK-level institutions, including reform of the House of Lords and 'modernisation' in the House of Commons.The party also pledged changes to the standards system and more powers for the Office for Budget Responsibility.There were also proposals to reform devolution and electionsboth topics in their own right, which will not be covered in detail here.In brief, the manifesto pledged a reset in the relationship between the UK and devolved governments, and an extension of devolution in England, broadly following the existing model but with the devolution of additional powers.2 On elections, the key pledge was to extend the franchise to 16-and 17-year-olds.Since Labour took office, ministers have also pledged a review of voter ID rules and hinted that the controversial strategy and policy statement for the Electoral Commission introduced in 2022which allows the government to set high-level priorities for the regulatorcould be scrapped.3 Reforms to devolution are planned for this parliamentary session; electoral policy is likely to follow in later sessions, allowing time for consultation.
Source: IPPR Progressive Review
DOI: 10.1111/newe.12388
Author: Lisa James
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,140
OpenAlex ID: W4402149134