constitutional reforms since 2010

Question 1

Constitutional reforms since 2010

Answer 1

-More reforms but more minor
-Mostly under the coalition

Question 2

Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011

Answer 2

• Established a pattern of fixed general elections every 5 years starting in 2015
  -Removed the PM’s ability to call an election at an advantageous time: 2021, Boris Johnson’s govt planned to replace the Act
  -Parl was fixed for 5 years removing right of PM to call elections unless govt lost a vote of no confidence in the Commons or if 2/3 of the MPs voted in favour of an early election.
  -Was fairer for opposition parties but extended average length of parl

Question 3

Significance of Fixed term parliament act

Answer 3

-Took power away from PM + gave it to parl
-Extending time between elections=less democratic
-In practice, PM’s are able to ignore it e.g. May 2017 + Johnson 2019
-Opposition would vote as it could give them a chance to get into powerS

Question 4

Successes of the FTPA

Answer 4

-Stability- helped keep the coalition together
-Stopped Johnson from calling an election in sept/oct 2019, could’ve led to No Deal on Oct 31

Question 5

Is further changed needed for the FTPA?

Answer 5

-Repealed in 2022
-Liberals would argue its preferable to keep power with parl- even if they’re usually likely to support it
-Zombie parliament- having to wait a while during the 5 years, not being able to get much done

Question 6

Wright reforms 2009

Answer 6

-Select committee chairs have to be elected by backbenchers rather than whips
-Backbench business committee- given 1 day of the week to determine business of HoC
-Petitions- SC select issues for debate suggested by public e-petitions

Question 7

Significance of wright reforms

Answer 7

-Minor in terms of power but moved power away from govt + towards bb’s

Question 8

Successes of wright reforms

Answer 8

-Democracy- more chance for bb’s to suggest laws + votes to recall MPs
-Modernisation- more up to date

Question 9

Further change required to wright reforms?

Answer 9

-Plenty of reforms possible specifically in terms of voting systems

Question 10

Recall of MPs act

Answer 10

-If an MP is convicted of a criminal offence or produces false expenses, claims or is suspended from HoC, constituents can start a recall petition to force a by-election e.g. Fiona Onasayna lost her seat after the speaker agreed to trigger a recall petition in Mar 2018, following the rejection of her appeal against her conviction of perverting the court of justice
-Peter Bone removed by a recall petition over bullying + sexual misconduct claims

Question 11

Significance of RoMPA

Answer 11

-Minimal
-Holds MPs to account

Question 12

is further reform necessary?

Answer 12

-No as there’s a good balance, don’t want continuous by-elections
-Need MPs to make unpopular decisions

Question 13

HoL reform act 2014

Answer 13

-Lords can now resign due to old age or ill health e.g. Lord Lawson
-Peers convicted of criminal offences can now be sacked

Question 14

Significance of HoL reform act

Answer 14

-Slight modernisation but doesn’t really address the problem

Question 15

Successes of HoL reform act

Answer 15

-165 peers resigned + 8 removed as of April 2023
-Slight dip in number of peers below 800.
-No further changes needed