Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Public bodies reform
The Declaration on Government Reform published in June 2021 committed the government to “commence a review programme for Arm’s Length Bodies".
Public bodies
Public bodies deliver a public or government service, though not as a ministerial department.
Sue Gray report – what questions will she answer?
This explainer was published when the Sue Gray investigation into government parties held during lockdown was announced.
Boris Johnson must publish Sue Gray’s report in full
The government should commit to sharing Sue Gray’s full report
It is right to update the whips’ office for modern politics
William Wragg’s accusations about whipping practices reflect an important change in how MPs now see their role
Parliament lacks real power to hold PM to account on Sue Gray report
While parliament’s formal procedures can have limited effect on the prime minister, what happens in parliament could determine his future
The government should react with care to 'cost of living crisis' tax pressures
Short-term tax changes should not undermine the government's longer-term fiscal plans
MPs must not outsource their judgement about Boris Johnson to Sue Gray
Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers are putting more weight on Sue Gray’s investigation than it can possibly bear
Sue Gray investigation
Boris Johnson announced an investigation into allegations that Christmas parties in November and December 2020 broke the government’s own Covid rules.
Eric Pickles
Lord Pickles considers his five years as secretary of state for communities and local government.