Megan Bryer
Research Assistant
All work
Shadow cabinet
Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her shadow cabinet twice since becoming leader. But who is in it and what experience do they have?
How big is the Labour government’s majority?
There are 650 seats in parliament. At the general election, the government won 411 of them.
Downing Street chief of staff
The Downing Street chief of staff is the UK prime minister’s most senior political adviser.
By-elections
How are by-elections triggered?
By-elections since the 2024 general election
Six by-elections have taken place since the 2024 general election and one is scheduled for 8 October 2026.
Whips: What is their role?
Whips are MPs and peers affiliated to a political party appointed to ensure their party colleagues vote according to the leader’s agenda.
Five tips for Labour’s new special advisers
How can spads in the Burnham government get things done?
Government ministers
This explainer sets out what are the different types of ministers, how they are appointed and what they do.
Special advisers
Special advisers (spads) are political appointees hired to support ministers.
Six things we learned from Andy Burnham’s government formation
What do Andy Burnham’s cabinet choices reveal about the priorities and direction of his new government?