Institute for Government

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Caroline Elsom, Head of Reshaping The State at Onward Eve Norridge, Head of Research at Onward Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government This event will be chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Onward.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Richard Fuller MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair at Bright Blue Trinh Tu, Managing Director, Public Affairs at Ipsos UK This event was chaired by Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: David Simmonds MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Dr Tom Arnold, Research Associate at the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Deputy Leader of the Local Government Association Conservative Group Helen Gbormittah, Regional Director, North West at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place at the University of Liverpool.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Jake Richards MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Ministry of Justice Deputy Mayor Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Greater Manchester Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset Cassia Rowland, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of JUSTICE This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with JUSTICE.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Tim Leunig, Chief Econonist at Nesta Dave Penman, General Secretary at the FDA Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers This event was chaired by Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the FDA.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Council & Corporate Portfolio Holder at City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Sue Jarvis, Co-Director at Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of North East Combined Authority This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place at the University of Liverpool and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Chris Ward MP, Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive of Ipsos, UK and Ireland Conrad Thompson, Public Sector Lead for Innovation at PA Consulting Moira Wallace, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with PA Consulting.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester Bassam Mahfouz AM, Chair of Greater London Authority Oversight Committee Deputy Mayor Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of East Midlands Combined Authority Cllr Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Policy@Manchester - The University of Manchester.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Minister for Security at the Home Office and Minister of State at the Cabinet Office Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding Béatrice Butsana-Sita, Chief Executive at British Red Cross Dr Hannah White OBE, Director & CEO, at the Institute for Government This event was held in partnership with the British Red Cross.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Sam Alvis, Associate Director for Environment, Energy Security and Nature at IPPR Sam Peacock, Managing Director for Corporate Affairs, Regulation and Strategy at SSE Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive Officer of Energy UK This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Energy UK and SSE.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Maya Ellis MP, Member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee Mayor Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Professor Lisa Collins, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the University of Surrey.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Dr Jo Bibby, Director of Health at Health Foundation Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Nick Meade, Chief Executive of Genetic Alliance UK Rob Thomas, Head of Public Affairs, UK and Ireland at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Rt Hon John Denham, former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Council & Corporate Portfolio Holder at City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council Katie Johnston, Devolved and Local Government Lead at PwC UK Jessica Studdert, Chief Executive of New Local This event was chaired by Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with PwC UK.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Alex McIntyre MP, Member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee Kevin McKenna MP, Officer of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Health Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Royal College of Nursing Thea Stein, Chief Executive of the Nuffield Trust This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing.

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Lisa Bungeroth, Director of Public Affairs at Imperial College London Thomas Cawston, Corporate Affairs Lead at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Louise Hellem, Chief Economist at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Pranesh Narayanan, Senior Research Fellow at IPPR Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Imperial College London.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto committed to keeping people out of hospital by investing in public health and early access to community services. Prevention is also central to the government’s plans for improving healthcare. But meaningfully shifting care from treatment to prevention is easier said than done. So how could the UK take a prevention-led approach to healthcare? We discussed at the 2025 Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Bournemouth with an expert panel featuring: ➡️ Andrew George MP, Member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee ➡️ Jules Payne Chief Executive at HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity ➡️ Rob Thomas, Head of Public Affairs, UK and Ireland at Novartis UK This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with Novartis UK.

The government’s devolution plans are centred on devolving more powers out of Whitehall into the hands of the local leaders, and giving local places control of key policy areas like skills, transport, and housing. But questions remain about how this will work in practice. At the 2025 Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Bournemouth we explored the key steps that local places need to take to develop an effective economic strategy. Our speakers included: ➡️ Baroness Pinnock, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson on Housing, Communities and Local Government ➡️ Professor Lisa Collins, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Surrey ➡️ Councillor Lorna Dupre, Deputy Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council ➡️ Rebecca McKee Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the University of Surrey.

President Trump’s return to the White House has reshaped the world trade order – posing risks, but also offering opportunities, for the UK. What can be done to make the UK become a more attractive destination for foreign investment? How should the UK deal with the US - and approach its relationship with China? How can the government help UK businesses and will its new industrial and trade strategy help secure the UK’s economic future? We discussed at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth with an expert panel, featuring: ➡️ Clive Jones MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Trade ➡️ Helen Bower-Easton CBE, Director of Communications at the Financial Conduct Authority ➡️ Joanna Cound, Global Head of Public Policy at BlackRock UK ➡️ Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation ➡️ Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the City of London Corporation.

How can changes to NHS incentives help deliver the 10 Year Health Plan by Institute for Government

The former deputy prime minister, in his only fringe event at this year’s Liberal Democrat conference, spoke to IfG director Hannah White about Keir Starmer’s Donald Trump strategy, Elon Musk’s interventions in British politics, the AI challenge, and how centre left parties can fight back against the rise of populism.

With European nations now spending more on defence than America for the first time since the Second World War, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin explored how the end of the peace dividend is creating new dilemmas for the political class and what this means for the Whitehall machine. In his first speech since stepping down as head of the armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony, who served four successive prime ministers, reflected on the advent of a third nuclear age, the race to artificial super intelligence and the requirement for grand national strategy to meet the demands of a new more dangerous era. Following his speech, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

The Freedom of Information Act at 25 by Institute for Government

The industrial strategy has emerged after a long gestation, with June’s white paper containing an exhaustive list of policy commitments intended to deliver Labour’s promise to “lay the foundation for a decade of growth”, create hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs, ensure that every region thrives, and put Britain “at the forefront of the technological revolution”. The strategy identifies 37 different ‘Frontier Industries’ within the eight growth sectors already set out in the green paper from October 2024, with these sectors treated as enablers of productivity to other parts of the economy – not just as vehicles of growth in themselves. So how can this ambitious idea be delivered successfully? What combination of market and regulatory reforms can help to deliver this aim? What will be the role of public sector financial institutions like the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank? What is the role for private finance? Is the government’s push to encourage more pension fund investment in British industry welcome or risky? And with the industrial strategy containing so many goals, industries and policy instruments, has the government taken on more than it can realistically deliver? To explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including: Sam Lister, Director General for Industrial Strategy at the Department for Business and Trade Paul Nightingale, Professor of Strategy at the University of Sussex Karen Northey, Corporate Affairs Director at the Investment Association Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. This event was kindly supported by the Investment Association.

The prime minister has made some big changes in No.10. Darren Jones moves from the Treasury to take on the newly-created job of chief secretary to the prime minister. A new executive director of communications has been recruited. Minouche Shafik has been appointed as the PM’s economics adviser. And other eye-catching job changes are taking place. So what does this all say about how Keir Starmer wants to govern? How will Darren Jones’s role dovetail with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden? Will these changes really equip the centre of government for a “relentless focus on delivery”? And what Institute for Government recommendations should Starmer now adopt as he weighs up further changes to the centre? This IfG expert briefing explores the prime minister's reshuffle of his No.10 team.

At this year’s local elections, the Reform Party secured outright majorities in 10 local authorities and won two metro mayor contests. As its local leaders make the transition from opposition to government, what skills will they need to be successful? What are the trade-offs they will have to make? How should they design and deliver policy? And how should they work with the Labour government in Westminster to deliver for voters locally? Listen to the IfG's fringe event at the Reform UK Party Conference 2025. Speakers: Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO, Institute for Government (chair) Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council & County Councillor for Maidstone Southeast Akash Paun, Programme Director (Devolution), Institute for Government Gawain Towler, Former Head of Press, Reform UK

Special advisers are a vital part of the glue that helps make government work effectively, and since July 2024 more than 100 spads have been appointed by Keir Starmer and his ministers. As well as experiencing the day-to-day challenges that come with one of the most intense jobs in Westminster, the new cohort has also faced ministerial churn, parliamentary rebellion and a change of No.10 chiefs of staff. So how can special advisers be most effective in government? What are the challenges they face, and how can they deal with them? And how is the current cohort of spads faring in their difficult, and misunderstood, roles? To discuss how the spads of today (and tomorrow) can do the job well we were joined by: Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor at the Sunday Times and co-author of Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer Salma Shah, Special Adviser to Sajid Javid (2014–19) Sam White, Special Adviser to Alistair Darling (2004–10) and Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer (2021–22); Chair of Foundations: the national what works centre for children and families The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

Inside Trump’s America: In conversation with Tim Ryan by Institute for Government

IfG DevoLab #1: How devolution can address health inequalities by Institute for Government

Labour fought the 2024 general election on a manifesto which promised “a new way of doing government” – one built on the concept of mission-driven government. But how much has this government’s decisions, trade-offs and policy priorities really been shaped by its five missions? And how far have they been able to make progress on their priorities in the first year? To mark the first year of Keir Starmer becoming prime minister, the Institute for Government and the Institute for Fiscal Studies hosted a joint event to explore what progress the government has made and whether Starmer’s government is really doing things differently to its predecessors. Are the government’s missions realistic or do they lack ambition? Have Rachel Reeves’ tax and spending choices supported or hindered mission delivery? What did the spending review reveal about the government’s priorities? How could government be better structured – and decisions made – in a way that is more mission-driven? And one year on since the general election, can the government really say it is governing in a “new way”? To explore these questions and more, the IfG and IFS brought together an expert panel featuring: Stephen Bush, Associate Editor and columnist at the Financial Times Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

Productivity Pitches #7: Welfare

Back by popular demand, Hannah White, Paul Johnson and Anand Menon reunited on stage to record a special live episode of The Expert Factor – the podcast for people who haven’t had enough of experts. Nine years to the day since the UK voted to leave the EU, as the directors of three of the UK’s leading think tanks – the Institute for Government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and UK in a Changing Europe – got together to discuss, explore and explain the big questions facing Keir Starmer’s Labour government and Britain’s opposition parties in an increasingly unpredictable world. The event was held in partnership with UK in a Changing Europe.

To conclude our conference on the Nolan Principles, our panel discussed the impact of the Nolan Principles in public life today. How have they changed the standards landscape in the UK? What do the public think about standards in public life? How useful are standards and principles to leaders in government? And how can a strong standards system support a government’s wider objectives? Speakers: Doug Chalmers, chair, Committee on Standards in Public Life Chris Morris, CEO, Full Fact Sachin Savur, researcher, Institute for Government Rowena Mason, Whitehall Editor at the Guardian This session was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government

Chaired by Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG's conference on the The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life?

Many of the public’s interactions with the state are with frontline officials in health and social care, policing and local government. How much do the Nolan principles resonate with those delivering public services? How can frontline officials be supported to make ethical decisions? And how can frontline organisations prevent failures, and rebuild public trust where they occur? Speakers: Neil Basu, former Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Helen Buckingham, Chair of National Voices Amerdeep Somal, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman This session was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

To reflect on the topics raised during our conference on the Nolan Principles, the IfG and CSPL convened small group discussions to talk through more specific questions: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in the standards landscape? How do politics and partisanship affect the way standards are perceived? What does ethical public service leadership look like? Those joining online were able to take part in a webinar discussion on the same topics. A panel of IfG and CSPL staff reported back on the themes raised in the discussions.

Chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG's conference on the The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life?

Chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG's conference on the The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life?

After 30 years of the Nolan Principles, ethical scandals – from partygate to freebiegate – are still a regular feature of UK political life and public trust in politicians remains low. What role do politicians play in leading by example? How should politicians in Westminster, devolved and local governments demonstrate their commitment to the Nolan Principles? How can they show ethical leadership within their organisations? And what does upholding standards look like in different political and governmental contexts? Speakers: Paula Barker MP, member of the Commons Select Committee on Standards Roger Gough, former leader of Kent County Council Dr Melissa McCullough, Commissioner for Standards, NI Assembly Dave Penman, General Secretary, FDA This session will be chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

In 1995, the prime minister’s ethics adviser Lord Nolan set out the Seven Principles of Public Life. Since then, the Nolan Principles have been the basis for the ethical standards expected of those working in the public sector, from the prime minister to civil servants to police officers – but from the expenses scandal to 'partygate', and ethical failings in the NHS, police forces and local government, standards in public life have been repeatedly under scrutiny over the last 30 years. So how have the Nolan Principles shaped public life over the last 30 years? What do ethical standards mean for the way frontline officials interact with the public? How might emerging trends like technology help or hinder public office-holders to act ethically? And as faith in politics falls and public debate coarsens, how can politicians uphold high standards of behaviour? To mark the 30th anniversary of the Nolan Principles, and to explore how ethical standards can be upheld in the future, the IfG will bring together a series of expert panels and keynote speakers – including former prime minister The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH – for a thought-provoking and stimulating one-day conference. This recording includes an introduction from Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the IfG, and Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life Keynote speech: Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH. Chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the IfG.

Rumours of a cabinet reshuffle are never far away in Westminster. So how should Keir Starmer approach the delicate task of choosing his top team? The prime minister has to strike a balance between ministers’ performance, party management and the government’s policy agenda, while being a minister is a job like no other – there are no regular performance reviews, clear handovers or annual appraisals. So how can ministers succeed in government and reach the cabinet table? What skills do they need at each rung of the ministerial ladder? How can backbench MPs prepare to become a minister? And how does the prime minister make decisions about who should serve in government? To explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including: Kitty Donaldson, Chief Political Commentator at The i Paper Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC, former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon James Purnell, CEO of Flint Global and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

The 2025 spending review on 11 June is a critical moment for Keir Starmer’s government. Almost a year since Labour’s general election victory, Rachel Reeves will set budgets for departments up to 2028/29 – which will cover most of the rest of the parliament. But the chancellor is facing difficult choices – and her decisions will reveal a great deal about this government’s priorities. Will the spending allocations be sufficient to improve public services, deliver growth and make progress on the government’s other missions? Which departments will be pleased – and which will lose out? And will this multi-year spending review reveal a coherent strategy for the government over the next few years? To answer these questions and more, IfG experts convened shortly after the chancellor’s announcement to provide their initial analysis. The webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, with a panel including: Nick Davies, Programme Director for Public Services at the Institute for Government Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government

Britain has been through a difficult period since the global financial crisis, leading many to conclude the country is doomed to inevitable decline. But Jeremy Hunt, who was at the top of government as both Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, disagrees. In his new book, Can We Be Great Again?, he sets out to rebut those who think Britain is no longer capable of shaping the world we live in. With the election of president Trump, a world that was already becoming more dangerous has also become more unpredictable. But when it comes to the big challenges facing the world – whether on European security, the future of democracy, migration, trade and climate – the UK remains one of the most influential countries and should, Hunt says, use that influence wisely. Hunt does not shy away from the UK’s weaknesses but argues that they should be considered in perspective and without underestimating this country’s many strengths. To discuss his new book and the questions it raises, Jeremy Hunt was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

After a decade of tight funding settlements and the Covid-19 pandemic, Wes Streeting is the latest health secretary trying to improve NHS productivity. But what can the government do to ensure the NHS spends its budget – due to be more than £200bn in 2025/26 – more effectively? This event, held in partnership with the Health Foundation, explored what the NHS can do to improve productivity – which is vital to improve the quality of services for patients, ensure the NHS is financially sustainable and provide value for money for taxpayers. What improvements in productivity and health outcomes can technology really deliver? What lessons are there from previous governments’ attempts to make efficiency savings? What options does Streeting really have to drive through reforms? What effect – if any – will the abolition of NHS England and cuts to integrated care boards’ budgets have on driving productivity to improve performance? To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel including: Helen Buckingham, Chair of Trustees at National Voices Anita Charlesworth, Senior Economic Advisor at the Health Foundation Caroline Clarke, Regional Director of the NHS in London Rachel Sylvester, Political Editor at the Observer The event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with The Health Foundation.

As part of its devolution agenda, the government is deepening and extending the mayoral model across England. Fourteen regional mayors are now in office, holding powers over transport, skills, housing and planning, economic growth and more. The government eventually wants every region of England to be led by a mayor. But what are the characteristics of effective mayoral leadership? How should existing and new mayors use their powers and their platform to bring benefits to their regions? And what lessons can England’s mayors learn from international experience? We held a discussion of these themes, informed by insights from the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University and its director, Professor Jorrit de Jong, who was in conversation with Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government, and Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution.

The former deputy prime minister set out what this and future governments can learn from the 2010–15 coalition government. To mark the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010, the IfG was pleased to welcome the Rt Hon Sir Nick Clegg to reflect on the 2010-15 government and the lessons for today’s politics. Following his speech, Sir Nick was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, and took part in an audience Q&A.

Labour’s 2024 manifesto set out a number of big changes aimed at strengthening democratic participation, such as improving voter registration, addressing inconsistencies in voter ID rules and extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds. Twenty-five years after the introduction of the UK’s political finance regime, and a billion pounds of donations later, the manifesto also committed to “strengthening the rules around donations to political parties” – something that has become more pressing as high-profile actors flirt with introducing significant sums of money into the UK’s party funding system. So what difference would these proposed changes make to the UK electoral system? Can they reignite voter confidence and engagement in the democratic process? What are the lessons learnt from the 2024 general election about turnout, the voter ID requirement, and candidate abuse and intimidation? And what should the government prioritise to ensure the electoral system is ready for the next general election in 2029 and able to address growing threats? To reflect on last summer’s election and to discuss how the government’s plans will affect the way elections work, we were joined by an expert panel: Lewis Baston, Political journalist and author Matteo Bergamini, Founder and CEO of Shout Out UK Professor Jane Green, Co-Director of the British Election Study John Pullinger, Chair of the Electoral Commission The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

This event marked official launch of the second edition of Exploring Parliament, a new book which brings together academic insights with real-world perspectives to bring parliament to life for readers. The book’s 73 authors – leading academic experts and parliamentary practitioners – offer an unrivalled insider’s guide to the UK parliament, providing an accessible yet in-depth exploration of how parliament works, its key functions, and the realities of law-making and scrutiny in the UK. Who are the key players in parliament? How is parliament organised and run? How is the government held to account? How are laws made? And what challenges does parliament face in the future? To explore these questions and more, we were joined by the editors of Exploring Parliament – who made opening remarks, reflecting on the book’s unique approach, and a panel of the book’s authors who discussed their chapters and insights. This was followed by a Q&A session. Panellists included: Professor Nicholas Allen, Professor of Politics at Royal Holloway, University of London Dr Sean Haughey, Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool Chloe Mawson, Clerk Assistant at the House of Lords Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Margaret McKinnon, Director Member and Members’ Staff Services Team at the House of Commons Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London (UCL) The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Introductory remarks were also delivered by the editors Professor Cristina Leston Bandeira, Dr Louise Thompson and Dr Alexandra Meakin. We would like to thank the Study of Parliament Group for kindly supporting this event.

In contrast to the halting approach to reform from the current UK government, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have moved fast to slash staff and programmes. That has led some of those frustrated with the slow pace of government reform in the UK and elsewhere to see DOGE as a model for radical reformers. But what are the actual benefits – and costs – of the Trump administration approach? Is there anything to be learnt from DOGE, or is the whole approach misconceived? And what is the better, feasible model for reformers who want to deliver change at rapid pace while avoiding the DOGE template? To explore these questions and more, the IfG was pleased to bring together an expert panel featuring: Munira Mirza, former Director of the No.10 Policy Unit Don Moynihan, Professor of Public Policy, Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan Jeni Tennison, founder and Executive Director of Connected by Data Alex Thomas, Civil Service Programme Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

This special event considered the recommendations of the Institute’s 2024 Commission on the Centre of Government in light of our analysis of the Labour government’s first year in office and the prime minister’s agenda to reform public services and rewire the state. The Chair of the Institute, Lord Sainsbury of Turville, spok on government reform and the civil service – offering his valedictory reflections as he steps down from the role this summer. Lord Sainsbury’s speech was followed by a presentation of the Institute’s key recommendations on civil service reform, discussion with a panel of senior IfG staff and incoming IfG Chair Sir Ian Cheshire, and audience questions. This important event highlighted the relevance of the Institute’s existing research to the government’s vital reform agenda and previewed our future research plans. Welcome and opening remarks Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government Speech Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Chairman of the Board at the Institute for Government Q&A Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Chairman of the Board at the Institute for Government Sir Ian Cheshire, Deputy Chair of the Board at the Institute for Government Presentation Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Panel discussion Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon), Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Alex Thomas, Programme Director for the civil service at the Institute for Government Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government This panel was chaired by Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

This special event considered the recommendations of the Institute’s 2024 Commission on the Centre of Government in light of our analysis of the Labour government’s first year in office and the prime minister’s agenda to reform public services and rewire the state. The Chair of the Institute, Lord Sainsbury of Turville, spok on government reform and the civil service – offering his valedictory reflections as he steps down from the role this summer. Lord Sainsbury’s speech was followed by a presentation of the Institute’s key recommendations on civil service reform, discussion with a panel of senior IfG staff and incoming IfG Chair Sir Ian Cheshire, and audience questions. This important event highlighted the relevance of the Institute’s existing research to the government’s vital reform agenda and previewed our future research plans. Welcome and opening remarks Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government Speech Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Chairman of the Board at the Institute for Government Q&A Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Chairman of the Board at the Institute for Government Sir Ian Cheshire, Deputy Chair of the Board at the Institute for Government Presentation Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Panel discussion Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon), Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Alex Thomas, Programme Director for the civil service at the Institute for Government Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government This panel was chaired by Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.