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
Mike Amesbury has stepped down triggering the first by-election since the 2024 general election in Runcorn and Helsby.
Tracker: The government’s proposed new public bodies
What were the public bodies promised in Labour’s election manifesto and what has been delivered since its entry into government?
By-elections in the 2019–24 parliament
There were 23 by-elections during the course of the last parliament, all held within the space of just three years.
Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire
The first mayor of Greater Lincolnshire will be elected on 1 May 2025.
The US-UK special relationship
Where does the term 'special relationship' come from and what does it mean?
Trade: tariffs
Tariffs are taxes charged on the import of goods from foreign countries.
Public inquiries
There are 20 ongoing or announced inquiries. But what exactly is a public inquiry?
What is the National Wealth Fund?
The chancellor's new Fund replaces the UK Infrastructure Bank.
Local and mayoral elections 2025
On Thursday 1 May 2025, local and mayoral elections will take place in many parts of England.
National Energy System Operator (NESO)
NESO is the public body responsible for Great Britain’s energy system.