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Books & articles
Books
I was invited by Professor Stephen Levine to contribute a chapter to a book about the 2023 general election.
In my chapter, I write that while there are always many and varied issues that contribute to the polling day outcome, the lack of integrity in the sixth Labour Government, certainly contributed to its significant loss. The Ministerial issues were spectacular and attracted high levels of public interest, but wider integrity issues were also at play in the lead-up to the general election. Investigations into lobbying and political party funding were also a feature of 2023. There were five referrals to Parliament’s Privileges Committee – two of them Ministerial and there were a range of candidate selection scandals – across the political spectrum. There was a range of poor behaviour – from bullying to nepotism and conflicts of interest. Read my chapter for my analysis of political integrity and the 2023 election.
articles
2024
12 January - Shoplifting allegation damage already done
Politicians need to lift their game
Scandals contributed to Labour’s election defeat
Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
2023
Candidate selection processes under fire - again
The personal is political
Why Parliament's rules matter
The privilege of power
Political integrity lost in resignation
Rules can't restore personal integrity
March 16 - Integrity issues at heart of resignation
March 28 - Integrity of politicians deserves scrutiny
March 29 - Broken trust led to sacking
Scandal and stretching the truth
2022
Local elections matter
Personal integrity in politics
Communications teams in a democracy
2021
The occupational backgrounds of politicians