Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Keir Starmer failed to make government work better
The next prime minister’s challenge is to strike the right balance between continuity and change.
When trust is lost: Making sense of the damaged relationship between ministers and civil servants
Ministers have lost trust in the civil service: that is damaging.
Brexit at 10
To mark the 10th anniversary of the EU referendum, the IfG has reflected on how leaving the EU has changed UK government.
Brexit at 10: Political fragmentation and the rise of smaller parties
Post-Brexit political fragmentation has opened up space for smaller or fringe parties.
Brexit at 10: The Labour Party
Labour inherited a government machine still reeling in large part from the effects of Brexit.
Brexit at 10: The Conservative Party
Brexit accelerated the Conservatives’ collision with long held tensions in its political coalition.
Replacing a prime minister during a general election campaign
Can a prime minister be replaced during an election campaign?
How do Labour Party leadership contests work?
A Labour leadership election can only be triggered if the leader resigns, or if 20% of MPs nominate a challenger.
Preparation for government by opposition parties or leadership challengers
What is a transition of government?
Burnham v Starmer: The King of the North heads South
The Guardian's Rafael Behr joins the podcast team to discuss what a PM Andy Burnham would mean for the way Britain is governed.