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
By-elections since the 2024 general election
Seven by-elections have taken place since the 2024 general election, the most recent of which took place in Holborn and St Pancras on 8 October 2026.
The UK and the European Union: What is the current relationship?
Andy Burnham has said he will aim to set out options for the UK’s future relationship with the EU around the time of the next UK-EU summit.
The Devolution Priority Programme (DPP)
Six areas in England have been selected for the Devolution Priority Programme, putting them on a ‘fast-track’ to mayoral devolution and LGR.
The US-UK special relationship
Where does the term 'special relationship' come from and what does it mean?
Funding for political parties and MPs: what are the rules?
How much funding do political parties receive?
Shadow cabinet
Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her shadow cabinet twice since becoming leader. But who is in it and what experience do they have?
How big is the Labour government’s majority?
There are 650 seats in parliament. At the general election, the government won 411 of them.
Downing Street chief of staff
The Downing Street chief of staff is the UK prime minister’s most senior political adviser.