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
Select committees
What are select committees? Who is eligible to sit on them? What happens to select committees when a general election is called?
What happens at the beginning of a new parliament?
A parliament lasts between one general election and the next. Following the election, a new parliament begins.
How is election spending regulated in the UK?
Party campaign spending is regulated by the Electoral Commission.
Calling a general election
Elections have to be held no more than five years apart, but the timing of elections are otherwise determined by the prime minister.
Prime minister’s questions (PMQs)
What is PMQs and how does it work?
MPs' register of interests
All financial interests which might be reasonably regarded as influencing the actions, words or votes of MPs must be registered.
The London Assembly
What does the London Assembly do and how are its members elected?
MPs who change party allegiance
What happens when MPs change political parties?
SNP leadership: How was John Swinney selected as first minister of Scotland?
How did the SNP elect its leader?
Mayor of the West Midlands
On 2 May 2024, voters in Birmingham and six neighbouring local areas elected Richard Parker as the mayor of the West Midlands.