Institute for Government

Electoral Reform and Diversity in Parliament: Lessons from New Zealand

Thursday 13 January 2011 – 6pm start, followed by a reception

Institute for Government, 2 Carlton Gardens, London SW1Y 5AA

Following the adoption of the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) representation system in New Zealand, its Parliament has grown increasingly diverse and representative of modern New Zealand society. This seminar, with Professor Margaret Wilson, reviews the influence of electoral systems on the diversity of Parliament, particularly in terms of gender and ethnicity. With a referendum on MMP set for New Zealand in 2011, Professor Wilson also raises the question the effect which the abolition of MMP might have on parliamentary representation. By bringing these issues to a UK audience, the seminar will also consider the issue of diversity in the UK Parliament, and the potential for reform, including some of the issues raised by the 2008-9 Speaker’s Conference on Parliamentary Representation.

Speaker:                              Professor Margaret Wilson

Respondent:                      Trevor Phillips – Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission

Respondent:                      Baroness Parminter of Godalming

About Professor Wilson:

Professor Margaret Wilson was the first woman Speaker of the NZ Parliament (2005-8), first woman President of the NZ Labour Party (1984-87) and a prominent MP throughout her parliamentary career (1999 – 2008). She was appointed a Minister on her entry into Parliament and between 1999-2004 held a number of portfolios including Attorney-General, Commerce and Labour.

The New Zealand – United Kingdom Link Foundation is, in conjunction with the School of Advanced Study, University of London, sponsoring the first Visiting Professorship to the United Kingdom and a series of lectures and seminars. The Foundation’s purpose is to make a substantial and ongoing contribution to the intellectual, educational, vocational and academic underpinning of the bilateral NZ/UK relationship in a changing World.  For more information, see: www.nzuklinkfoundation.org

This event is invite only, please respond to: events@instituteforgovernment.org.uk

What does parliamentary scrutiny mean in 2011? A speech by The Rt Hon. John Bercow MP

Tuesday 18th January 2011: 18.30 – 19.30. The speech will begin at 18:30 and will be followed by a drinks reception

You are invited to attend a speech by The Rt Hon. John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. He will address the question “What does scrutiny mean in 2011?”. It is often said that better scrutiny makes for better government. The Parliament of 2010 is showing a new confidence and engagement with the ancient and challenging task of calling the executive to account. What has been achieved, and what aspirations remain?

This event will be chaired by Andrew Adonis,  Director of the Institute for Government.

Please respond to Alice Le Gros at events@instituteforgovernment.org.uk