Democracy on default settings
Think tank: Demos
Author(s): Hannah O'Rourke; Edward Saperia
February 25, 2026
This report from UK think tank Demos examines the hidden infrastructure of UK democracy: MPs’ offices.
Democracy on Default Settings, by Hannah O’Rourke from Campaign Lab and Edward Saperia from Newspeak House, examines the hidden infrastructure of UK democracy: MPs’ offices.
Drawing on interviews, surveys and fieldwork with parliamentary staff, the report exposes how outdated systems, weak management support and fragmented technology undermine the day-to-day work of representing constituents. It reveals 650 MPs’ offices operating as under-supported micro-organisations, often reliant on individual heroics and dedication rather than robust processes.
While staff show remarkable resourcefulness, the authors argue that modest, practical reforms – in leadership, onboarding, skills and digital tools – could significantly improve effectiveness, wellbeing and democratic responsiveness.
