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
Private members' bills
Private members' bills provide an opportunity for backbenchers from all parties to pass their own legislation. But how are they introduced?
2024 Conservative Party leadership contest
The Conservative Party leadership election has begun.
How can ministers bring external support into departments?
There are other individuals, beside officials, who can be brought in to help ministers.
What gifts can MPs and ministers accept from donors?
What gifts do MPs have to declare, and are the rules different for ministers?
Cabinet secretary
The cabinet secretary is the most senior civil service adviser to the prime minister and cabinet.
How are different measures of public debt forecast to change?
How have different measures of debt evolved over time and how will they evolve in future?
What are the different ways to measure public debt?
How is public debt measured and what does this tell us about fiscal sustainability?
Scottish independence
How could a second referendum on Scottish independence happen?
Metro mayors
Metro mayors are directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities. But what do they do?
The Modernisation Committee
What is the new Commons Modernisation Committee?