My post for the Crick Centre blog, at the University of Sheffield (9 December 2014). I gave an overview of the innovative practices used at NHS Foundation Trust elections based on research for Health Election Data, and also considered the future of NHS democracy after expected changes to the FT model.
My article for The Conversation (24 September 2014) in the aftermath of the Scottish independence referendum, responding to the growing political support for lowering the voting age to 16. I summarised arguments in favour of the change, and highlighted a downside with the idea that it be discussed in a constitutional convention.
My post for Democratic Audit (15 September 2014) shortly before the Scottish independence referendum, arguing that Scottish voters living outside the country should have been able to vote. This includes expats – who had their vote removed by the Scottish Government – and those living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
My post for Democratic Audit (11 September 2014) on the rise of parish councils in English cities. Although this is not yet a widespread phenomenon, recent events in London, Birmingham, Bradford and elsewhere suggest it may become one, and help make local government truly local.
My post for Health Election Data (August 2014) on the practice of allowing 16 year olds to vote and stand in NHS Foundation Trust elections. This makes NHS elections almost unique – fully before the Scottish independence referendum – and could mean they provide a valuable source of research evidence. In the upcoming Scottish independence referendum, 16 and 17…
My review of ‘Money and Electoral Politics’ by Ron Johnston and Charles Pattie for LSE Review of Books (15 August 2014). I found the book an excellent source of data and insight on the financing of political parties and elections, but with a number of key issues under-explored.
My analysis for Health Election Data (September 2015) on how party memberships feature in NHS Foundation Trust elections. I considered it inappropriate that memberships be declared even when candidates are not official nominees, but also found party status has little impact on electoral performance.
I co-presented a new podcast from Democratic Audit (June 2014) about political fiction. I interviewed political writers and academic experts, asking how close to reality fiction tends to be and the harmful effects of distorted portrayals.
I edited a new Democratic Audit ebook (4 July 2014) with Sean Kippin, debating the pros and cons of lowering the voting age to 16. The collection features contributions from leading academics and politicians. Our introduction arguing for the reform is reproduced below. Few could find disagreement with the principle that democracies should allow all…
I took part in a live Q&A for The Guardian (May 2014), alongside and a range of other experts in the democracy field, discussing how to increase turnout in local elections. The Guardian’s Sarah Marsh picked out the best of the suggestions made.
