A huge thank you to Professor Sir John Curtice for delivering last night’s Michael Ryle Lecture on the theme of “Can Britain’s Two Party System Survive?” 👏

This lecture series commemorates one of our founders, Michael Ryle. Michael spent his whole career as a Commons Clerk and is particularly associated with reform of the House. The lecture series was established following Michael’s death and the mark the SPG’s 50th anniversary.

This evening Professor Sir John Curtice will deliver the 12th Annual Michael Ryle Memorial Lecture, on the theme of ‘Can Britain’s Two-Party System Survive?’

On the 10th July we gathered in Cardiff Bay to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from Senedd reform and how the benefits of increasing the membership of the Senedd can be realised. Huge thanks to our speakers, panellists and attendees

📢EVENT📢 Realising Senedd Reform

Join us for a discussion of the challenges and opportunities arising from Senedd Reform ahead of the 2026 election.

📅 Thursday 10th July

📍Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay

Register on our website: studyofparliamentgroup.org/2025/05/22/e...

On the 15th May, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are hosting a book launch for the 2nd edition of Exploring Parliament, edited by @estrangeirada.bsky.social, @louisevthompson.bsky.social & @ameakin.bsky.social

Sign up to attend online: …stituteforgovernment.zohobackstage.eu/BooklaunchExpl…

For our final panel we have Greg Power, in conversation.

Greg is the founder of Global Partners Governance and is talking about his new book “Inside the Political Mind”.

Chaired by Mark D’Arcy (@darcyxtip.bsky.social) with Eve Samson (HoC) as respondent

Our second panel of the day focused on the first impressions that newly elected MPs have of Westminster.

We were pleased to welcome @leighinghammp.bsky.social (MP for Stafford) and her researcher Rosanna to share their perspectives.

We kick day two of our annual weekend off with a panel on the House of Lords - reflecting on how it works and how it could be changed.

Panellists:

Tom Wilson (House of Lords)
Prof Meg Russell (@conunitucl.bsky.social)
Dr Alfred Moore (Uni of York)
Prof The Lord Norton of Louth (Uni of Hull)

Our final session of the day was the Wheeler Booth Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dame Elizabeth Gardiner DCB, former First Parliamentary Counsel (2015-2024).

As a legislative drafter Elizabeth spent over 20 years working on a wide range of bills.

Our third panel of the day is on Parliament and the National Audit Office, reflecting on 40 years of the National Audit Act 1983.

Panellists:

Prof David Heald (Uni of Glasgow)
Dr Henry Midgley (Uni of Durham)
Aileen Murphie (formerly of the NAO)

We’ve kicked off our annual weekend with a panel reflecting upon 25 years of law making following devolution.

Panelists:

Sara Moran (@senedd.wales)

Jonathan McMillen (@niassembly.bsky.social)

Stephen Imrie (Scottish Parliament)

Ruth Fox (@hansardsociety.bsky.social)