Akash Paun
Programme Director
Akash's recent work
All work
Westminster should watch closely as Wales and Scotland show how minority government can work
Cooperation, consultation and concession are key to minority government success.
The government should abolish outdated ‘by thirds’ council elections
Next week’s local elections should be the last to feature by-thirds votes
Intergovernmental relations
How do officials and ministers across the UK cooperate and resolve disputes?
Ministers should lose their sweeping powers to delay local elections
The back-and-forth over election timings has been bad for central and local government alike.
Learning from the DevoLab #2: How mayors can secure investment into regional economies
Three case studies of how devolved powers and mayoral influence have been used to secure investment into regional economies.
Local elections 2026
On Thursday, 7 May 2026, local elections will take place in many parts of England.
Learning from the DevoLab #3: How devolution can improve transport connectivity
Three case studies of how devolved powers and mayoral influence have been used to improve transport connectivity.
Labour should introduce the alternative vote system for mayoral elections
The alternative vote would be fairer and more appropriate than the system the government favours.
Mayoral elections in priority areas should be held in May 2027 at the very latest
The government has not made a convincing case for postponement.
Learning from the DevoLab #1: How devolution can address health inequalities
Three case studies of how devolved powers have been used to address health inequalities.