Event

The constitution under Labour: Constitution Unit conference 2026 – Day 2

This event hosted by UK think tank the Constitution Unit will take stock of recent constitutional developments and look ahead.

Day 2 – Thursday 25 June 

10am – 11am: What next for standards in public life? 

Improving standards in public life was a key plank of Labour’s promise to be different from its predecessors in government. In opposition, the party promised better behaviour and stronger systems of regulation. In office, it has introduced a number of changes, such as the creation of the promised Ethics and Integrity Commission. However, the government has faced multiple standards-related scandals, particularly in the fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment – and subsequent dismissal – as Ambassador to the United States. So has the government taken sufficient steps to strengthen standards in public life? How have recent events affected its plans? And what more remains to be done? 

Speakers

Baroness (Ruth) Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent – Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Baroness-in-Waiting (Government Whip), and Labour peer

Doug Chalmers – Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission

Dr Susan Hawley – Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption

Lord (Mark) Pack – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Cabinet Office

Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit (Chair)

12pm – 1pm: The Representation of the People Bill 

Parliament is currently considering the Representation of the People Bill. As well as lowering the voting age for UK elections to 16, this legislation contains a host of changes in other areas, including voter registration, voter ID, political finance, and the role of the Electoral Commission. Will these changes be sufficient to deliver fair, safe, and secure elections? If not, what more needs to be done? And does safeguarding our elections require changes of culture and behaviour, as well as new legislation? 

Speakers

Phoebe Arnold – Policy Lead at Full Fact

John Pullinger – Chair of the Electoral Commission

Philip Rycroft – former senior civil servant, and author of the 2026 review into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics 

Professor Alan Renwick – Director of the Constitution Unit (Chair)