Lisa James

Lisa James

@lisajames.bsky.social

Researcher at the Constitution Unit, working on the Constitutional Principles and Health of Democracy project. Co-author, The Parliamentary Battle over Brexit.

1.9K followers218 following34 posts

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Today is referendum day in Alberta, with voters being asked to decide whether to kick off the process for a future referendum on secession from Canada. Here's Leah Trueblood on our blog a few weeks ago - explaining how this came about, and what to make of the 'vote about a vote'. 👇

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

Alberta's democratic experiment Albertans will head to the polls this autumn to vote on whether to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada. Leah Trueblood explains how this 'vote about a vote' came about, and suggests that the approach of the Government of Alberta is worrying. Read it 👇️

blogs.ucl.ac.ukAlberta’s democratic experimentAlbertans will head to the polls this autumn to vote on whether to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada. Leah Trueblood explains how this ‘vote about a vote’ came about, why the ‘two vote’ structure is different from that put forward by the Independent Commission on Referendums, and suggests that the approach of the Government of Alberta is actually opposed to both the spirit and substance of the Commission’s recommendations.
Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

With a national commission on electoral reform on the horizon, we've written some new explainers on different electoral systems. Want to know your SV from your STV? We have you covered!

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

We have published three brand new explainers on electoral systems! First, what is First Past the Post? This is the electoral system currently used in UK general elections. It is a majoritarian system and there is wide debate over its pros and cons. Find out more 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

It's a timely event! This week, the Ethics and Integrity Commission @ethicsandintegrity.bsky.social published its chair's first annual letter on the health of standards in public life. Looking forward to hearing more from its CEO & the other great panellists this evening. bsky.app/profile/lisa...

Lisa James@lisajames.bsky.social

The Ethics & Integrity Commission has published its chair's first annual letter to the PM - a stocktake on standards in public life. It's an interesting read: reflections on progress made & things yet to be done, plus details of the EIC's future work 👇 eic.independent-commission.uk/annual-lette...

eic.independent-commission.ukAnnual Letter to the Prime Minister on the health of ethical standards | Ethics and Integrity CommissionThe Ethics and Integrity Commission promotes the highest standards in public life, reports to the Prime Minister on matters concerning ethical standards, and advises public authorities on the developm...
Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

An inquiry into ombudsmen will report early next year. Its recommendations aim to help ombudsmen respond to early warning signs of systemic public sector failures - should be interesting to see. And the EIC will be going on tour with a range of initiatives to promote high standards in public life.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Lots going on here, and some things to look out for over the coming months. Not least the government response - which should give us some insight into its priorities for the standards agenda over the rest of this parliament.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Meanwhile, the public appointments process isn't meeting its own timeliness targets. This is a perennial problem, but is getting worse - & really matters. And the EIC regrets that legislation to support standards in local government wasn’t in the King’s speech. Will the new govt make time for it?

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

There are some interesting hints too about what we can expect from the EIC itself in the next few months. Guidance for public bodies on producing ethical codes will be published to coincide with the passage of the Hillsborough Law, and built on thereafter.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Yet to be done: the letter summarises the EIC’s July report on lobbying & transparency. That called for a mix of government action, secondary legislation & statutory change – some of it drawing on evidence we submitted. We’re awaiting the government response – this is a space to watch.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

The letter also calls for the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards to be given a statutory footing & to be chosen through an enhanced, particularly rigorous process. Again, totally agree – we’ve argued for it in the past, and some other watchdogs could benefit from these protections too.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

In the progress column, the EIC welcomes many of the measures in the Representation of the People Bill on political finance and intimidation of candidates. It also sounds supportive of the idea of a donations cap (as predecessor body CSPL had been).

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

The letter says to be accepted any cap decision will need cross-party involvement & urges the government task & finish group to engage widely. Totally agree. We're thinking at the Unit about how process can support legitimacy & longevity of reforms - look out for work on this in the coming months.

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

These look like two great roles at the IfG - doing fascinating work with the potential for real impact. I can also highly recommend @rebeccamckee.bsky.social as a colleague!

Rebecca McKee@rebeccamckee.bsky.social

We are hiring! TWO new researcher roles, one with me (and my wonderful colleagues) in the UK government team. Take a look, shout if you have any questions and please do send this on to anyone you think would be interested! www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

'Into this kaleidoscopic mix, Andy Burnham has thrown a grenade. He is the first modern prime minister to advocate scrapping the first-past-the-post voting system for Westminster elections.' Our Director, @alanrenwick.bsky.social, was in @financialtimes.com this weekend. Read it 👇️

giftarticle.ft.comGet used to multi-party politics, it’s here to stayThe prime minister’s promise on electoral reform could entrench the complex fights between five, even six parties

Lisa James reposted

Chris Prosser
@caprosser.com

🚨Job alert! 🚨 Come work with us on the British Election Study! We are looking for a postdoc to join the new BES team: 5 year contract, starting in Jan 2027. Happy to chat if you've got any questions. Applications close 12 Nov, for details see: jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx...

jobs.royalholloway.ac.ukJob Opportunity at Royal Holloway University of London: British Election Study Postdoctoral Research FellowFull-Time, Fixed-Term for 5 yearsThe Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy at Royal Holloway seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the British Election St...
Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

UKICE has been an invaluable source of incisive, timely and accessible analysis and information of all kinds on UK-EU relations. It's very sad news that it's winding down at the end of this year - thoughts with all the excellent staff there.

Anand Menon@anandmenon.bsky.social

An announcement. There will be plenty of time to reflect on what we've achieved, and on the fantastic colleagues who have helped us achieve it. But for now, sad news ukandeu.ac.uk/announcement... 1/2

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Seven years ago, my first job at the Constitution Unit was on a UKICE-linked project on Brexit, sorting through the constitutional aftermath of the vote and the exit process. It was a fascinating couple of years - and I owe them particular thanks for making it possible.

Lisa James reposted

Alan Renwick
@alanrenwick.bsky.social

Andy Burnham has announced a National Commission on Electoral Reform. The voting system is the heart of our democracy: this will be a vital debate. The Constitution Unit will work to ensure it’s an informed debate. Look out for our project launching next week examining the options and their effects.

Lisa James reposted

Alan Renwick
@alanrenwick.bsky.social

Double referendum processes have long intrigued me, so my ears pricked up when I saw there was one under way in Alberta. Leah Trueblood suggests, however, that it’s not an example to follow.

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

Alberta's democratic experiment Albertans will head to the polls this autumn to vote on whether to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada. Leah Trueblood explains how this ‘vote about a vote’ came about, and suggests that the approach of the Government of Alberta is worrying. Read it 👇️

blogs.ucl.ac.ukAlberta’s democratic experimentAlbertans will head to the polls this autumn to vote on whether to hold a referendum on seceding from Canada. Leah Trueblood explains how this ‘vote about a vote’ came about, why the ‘two vote’ structure is different from that put forward by the Independent Commission on Referendums, and suggests that the approach of the Government of Alberta is actually opposed to both the spirit and substance of the Commission’s recommendations.

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

'I certainly think there is an appetite for a cap.' Our Director, @alanrenwick, appeared on Times Radio with Dominic O'Connell to discuss the two £36 million donations that Reform UK received over the weekend. Watch 👇️

youtube.comAlan Renwick explains the rules around Reform UK's donations totalling £73 million on Times RadioThe Director of the UCL Constitution Unit, Professor Alan Renwick, appeared on Times Radio with Dominic O'Connell to discuss the rules around donations to Reform UK totalling £73 million.

Lisa James reposted

Rebecca McKee
@rebeccamckee.bsky.social

New from me on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk substack "the write-round" Why can't MPs call each other liars? Part of a new series of 'why parliament is weird' a collection of gripes, oddities and head scratchers...would love to hear your takes on the weirdest things in parliament!

instituteforgov.substack.comWhy parliament is weird (no.1): Why can't MPs call each other liars?MPs can be quite rude to each other in the House. So why can’t they call each other liars?

Lisa James reposted

PoliticsHome
@politicshome.bsky.social

There are several ways Burnham can safeguard our constitution, writes @conunitucl.bsky.social Lisa James Donation caps would prevent a small, wealthy group from enjoying disproportionate political influence, while reforms to stop PMs appointing as many Lords as they like would constrain patronage

politicshome.comThe steps Burnham can take to safeguard our constitutionOver the past decade, political shocks like Brexit and Covid have combined with longer-term political, social and technological change to put the U...

Lisa James reposted

Ruxandra Serban
@ruxandrasrbn.bsky.social

There are currently no plans for recess to be delayed in order for Andy Burnham to be questioned by MPs. Whilst this is not a constitutional problem, it would be preferable from a democratic accountability perspective. New blog for @ukandeu.bsky.social 👇🏻 ukandeu.ac.uk/should-andy-...

ukandeu.ac.ukShould Andy Burnham face the House of Commons before summer recess? - UK in a changing EuropeRuxandra Serban explains that the gap between Andy Burnham taking office and facing Parliament will be the longest of any incoming Prime Minister in history and considers the questions it raises about...

Lisa James reposted

Hansard Society
@hansardsociety.bsky.social

1/ Today is the International Day of Parliamentarism. It marks the anniversary of the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (@ipuparliament.bsky.social) in 1889. It's a day to remind ourselves that democracies depend not just on strong parliaments, but on informed citizens. buff.ly/Ol7XIpV

ipu.orgAbout usThe IPU is the global organization of national parliaments.What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has…

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

Reforming the Commons: The backbench MP's guide to achieving procedural change Our new guide, published today, says that procedural reform is important, but changing how the House of Commons operates can appear daunting. It aims to help backbench MPs, and others, who want to do this. Read it 👇

ucl.ac.ukConstitution Unit publishes guide to help backbench MPs reform the House of CommonsThe Constitution Unit has today published Reforming the Commons: The backbench MP's guide to achieving procedural change by Hannah Kelly, Lisa James and Meg Russell.

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

BREAKING: The government has announced that it will update the Cabinet Manual. See the Written Statement: questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat.... @lisajames.bsky.social wrote about the urgent need for updating last year 👇

constitution-unit.comThe urgent need to update the Cabinet ManualThe 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 …

Lisa James reposted

Conor J. Kelly
@conorjkelly.bsky.social

1/5 Delighted to say that my first book, Explaining Northern Ireland Party Stances on the EU: Dividing Lines Before and After Brexit, is now available for pre-order with Routledge. It’s been a long road, and I’m very glad to be able to share it. www.routledge.com/Explaining-N...

routledge.comExplaining Northern Ireland Party Stances on the EU: Dividing Lines Before and After BrexitThis book explores the European stances of three of Northern Ireland’s political parties, culminating in one of the most tumultuous episodes in recent UK, Irish, and European politics. It examines how...

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

'I think back to that Russell speech. And I remember: Despair accomplishes nothing. Cynicism is the death of radicalism. Optimism is a political act.' This is a lovely write up of Meg Russell's valedictory lecture by @iandunt.bsky.social — thank you. The recording will be up next week! Read it 👇

iandunt.substack.comThere is a light that never goes outIt's been a week of chaos, but there is now a pathway to change. And with change, there's hope.

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

Today is a big day at the Constitution Unit as @alanrenwick.bsky.social takes over as Director and Tom Fleming becomes Deputy Director. Congratulations and good luck! Read our announcement from last month 👇

ucl.ac.ukAlan Renwick to succeed Meg Russell as Director of the Constitution UnitIn May, Alan Renwick will succeed Meg Russell as Director of the Constitution Unit. Tom Fleming will become Deputy Director. A new lecturer is also set to join the Unit next year.
Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

Big news from the Constitution Unit! Meg has been an outstanding Director; I have learned a huge amount from her over the past six years. We're also very lucky to have a fantastic incoming Director in @alanrenwick.bsky.social - the Unit is in very good hands.

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

We are set to enter a new era on 13 May as @alanrenwick.bsky.social takes over from Meg Russell as our Director. Tom Fleming will become Deputy Director and a new lecturer will join us next year. We can also confirm that our annual conference will happen on 24 and 25 June. Read all about it 👇

ucl.ac.ukAlan Renwick to succeed Meg Russell as Director of the Constitution UnitIn May, Alan Renwick will succeed Meg Russell as Director of the Constitution Unit. Tom Fleming will become Deputy Director. A new lecturer is also set to join the Unit next year.

Lisa James reposted

Alan Renwick
@alanrenwick.bsky.social

The latest Constitution Unit Monitor, rounding up constitutional developments since November, is now online. It's a bumper edition. Challenges to the established order are growing. The government is pursuing some changes in response. But are they enough?

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

NEW BLOG: Starmer takes small steps forward as democratic challenges mount @alanrenwick.bsky.social & Meg Russell argue the government continues to make small strides in areas such as constitutional standards and electoral reform where bold action to renew the health of democracy is badly needed

constitution-unit.comStarmer takes small steps forward as democratic challenges mount Monitor 92, published today, provides an analysis of constitutional events over the last four months. In this post, which replicates the issue's lead article, Meg Russell and Alan Renwick argue that the government continues to make small strides in areas such as constitutional standards and electoral reform, where instead bold action to renew the health of democracy is badly needed.

Lisa James reposted

Institute for Government
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk

Senior Reform UK members are reportedly exploring a US-style executive order approach to government. @sirjjkc.bsky.social examines whether government by executive order is a plausible model for the UK www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...

instituteforgovernment.org.ukIs government by executive order a plausible model for the UK? | Institute for GovernmentSenior Reform UK members are reportedly exploring a US-style executive order approach to government.

Lisa James reposted

Joe Sarling
@joesarling.bsky.social

Since graduating: 1. GFC 2. Austerity 3. Brexit 4. Covid-19 5. War in Europe 6. Oil/gas crisis 7. Global trade war 8. War in the Middle East 9. Another oil/gas crisis

FinTwitter@fintwitter.bsky.social

*UK 10-YEAR BOND YIELD RISES TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2008

Lisa James reposted

Ruth Fox
@ruthfox.bsky.social

A recurring pattern in UK politics. Labour in opposition: Parliament must scrutinise treaties and trade agreements properly. Labour in government: the current system works fine. Today's House of Lords debate (16 March) on treaty scrutiny will highlight the problem.

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

NEW BLOG: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and filibustering in the House of Lords @lisajames.bsky.social looks at how delay tactics work in the Lords, and what peers could do to stop individuals using procedure to block bills.

constitution-unit.comThe Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and filibustering in the House of LordsThe Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – commonly known as the assisted dying bill – is now very unlikely to pass in this session. Its supporters have accused opponents of filibustering – a charge which they strongly deny. Lisa James looks at how delay tactics work in the House of Lords, where they have been used in the past, and what peers could do to stop individuals using procedure to block bills rather than allowing them to stand or fall on their merits.

Lisa James reposted

Alan Renwick
@alanrenwick.bsky.social

*Representation of the People Bill update* Steve Reed has just announced: 'We will repeal in full the power for government to impose a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission'. A very welcome change. I set out last week why it was needed. constitution-unit.com/2026/02/26/t...

constitution-unit.comThe Representation of the People Bill: contours of the debates to comeThe government’s long-awaited proposals for electoral reforms, published last month, will receive their first scrutiny in the House of Commons next Monday. Ahead of that debate, Alan Renwick analys…

Lisa James reposted

House of Lords
@houseoflords.parliament.uk

A new Lords committee has been set up to consider a participation requirement for members of the House, plus a retirement age. The Retirement and Participation Committee wants to hear from people with an understanding of the Lords. ➡️ Share your views by 26 February https://orlo.uk/iL4Qa

Lisa James reposted

Alexandra Meakin
@ameakin.bsky.social

Replying to @ameakin.bsky.social

Happy last sitting day of 2025 everyone - glad we had that promised parliamentary vote on the way forward for R&R before the end of the year...

Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

If you use the Unit's research, come to our events, or interact with us in any other way - we want to know what you think! What do you like about our work? What are we missing? What should we keep doing, and what could we do better? Take our survey below 👇

UCL Constitution Unit@conunitucl.bsky.social

We want to hear from you! Having celebrated our 30th birthday earlier this year and with a relatively new UK government in office, we think now is a good time to take a fresh look at what we are doing. Fill out our short survey (which is easier on a computer) 👉 qualtrics.ucl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_....

Lisa James reposted

Rebecca McKee
@rebeccamckee.bsky.social

New from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and I on the missed opportunity of the covid inquiry's module 2 report to dig deeper into how decisions were made in government during the pandemic www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/covi...

instituteforgovernment.org.ukThe Covid Inquiry has missed vital lessons on how to make better decisions | Institute for GovernmentWe have not learnt much that is new from the inquiry’s Module Two report.

Lisa James reposted

UCL Constitution Unit
@conunitucl.bsky.social

Join and help to lead the Constitution Unit! @uclspp.bsky.social is looking for a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics who will also join our senior team and contribute to our research and impact activities. Applicants must have, or be near to finishing, a PhD. Apply 👇

ucl.ac.ukJob opportunity: Lecturer in British and Comparative PoliticsThe UCL Department of Political Science and Constitution Unit are seeking to appoint a Lecturer in British and Comparative Politics. The successful candidate will join the senior team at the Unit.
Lisa James
@lisajames.bsky.social

This is a fascinating topic and a great panel - really looking forward to watching!

Rebecca McKee@rebeccamckee.bsky.social

Very excited for this event next week! Last week the Covid Inquiry published its report on political decision making and governance - a big one for government - we'll be taking a look at what we learned from the inquiry and what this all means for government, policymakers & future public inquiries