Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
What support are MPs given to do their jobs?
For MPs elected to parliament for the first time the task ahead can seem daunting.
Winning a general election: what does a new prime minister’s first 72 hours look like?
The first 72 hours as a new prime minister provides an early lesson in how huge the job is and how extensive the demands on their time will be.
What will the government need to do in the first few weeks after the election?
What will happen in the first few weeks after the general election?
English devolution
What is the history of English devolution? How much of England has devolution? Which powers are devolved?
What happens if a prime minister loses their seat in a general election?
At every general election there is a possibility that a party's leader would not be returned to parliament.
Replacing a prime minister during a general election campaign
Rishi Sunak has been asked whether he might quit before the general election takes place.
What is a manifesto?
Manifestos set out the policies a political party would deliver if they were to win a general election.
Civil service staff numbers
Who exactly are civil servants and how many are there?
MPs who stood down at the 2024 general election
How many MPs stood down at the general election, and why?
How are crises managed during a general election campaign?
The UK government remains in place and ministers remain as ministers during an election campaign.